Staff at the Royal Lon don Hospital gathered this week to remember those who suffered in the “7/7” bombing ten years ago. A memorial service was held at the place where the entrance to the A&E department had been on the day more than 200 people injured in the attacks on that day came to the hospital.
The hospital building hadn’t seen bomb blast injuries or received so many casualties in one go since the Second World War. The London cared for more than half of those who needed hospital treatment that day, including 27 patients with serious injuries – many of whom needed immediate operations and lengthy follow-up care – and many who were recovering from smoke inhalation and minor burns and bruises.
It is hard to find a positive note in such a dismal day, but if you were to find one it would be the cross-faith, cross-cultural human solidarity shown by survivors and rescuers. The Queen (above, with survivor Bruce Lait) and London Mayor Ken Livingstone came to the London Hospital to thank those who helped – but government appreciation for them did not last. Some of the first helpers on the scene at Aldgate East were from the East London Mosque; but ten years on the Prime Minister was lumping all Muslims in with the terrorists. Firefighters and Tube workers were heroes on the day; but their numbers and the terms and conditions of their jobs have been cut back. Healthworkers were tireless on the day: their long term reward was to have to work harder all the time to make up for government cutbacks.
When we remember 7/7, look to the future – when the heroes of the day will enjoy permanent recognition.
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