2020's Cheerful Countdown
As 2020 ends, we look back on the positives of what has been an extraordinarily strange year. We’d like to remember a highlight of each month of 2020 as we countdown to the New Year.
January (which apparently was this year, not a decade ago!)
“Last January, none of us would have predicted that we’d have a 2020 like this. Everyone has had to rise to the challenge, and we’ve seen some great work happen across the healthcare communications industry.” – Jon Pike
February
February saw the first UK use of the Cobalt heart implant by MedtronicUK and the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre Likened to a ‘paramedic in your pocket’, this operation symbolises a big step forward in pre-emptive cardiac care!
March
Offices shut, events were cancelled, and people stayed at home. Will March have marked a shift in office culture forever? At Mearns & Pike, our virtual office model meant we were already working virtually! We jumped in straightaway to help customers and clients transition.
April
In April, we launched the Lecia ‘Future of Pathology’ Report: looking at the future of pathology in an ever-changing world as seen through the views of the future leaders in pathology. Read the report: https://bit.ly/3h35AyQ
May
“My highlight of the year has to be the educational poster competition we ran with @National Geographic and @Covestro – one of the winners even told his Mum he wants to work at Covestro when he grows up!” – Claire, M&P, Consultant
June
“This year I loved working on reports to help the NHS adjust after COVID. I have so much respect for everyone working in the NHS throughout the pandemic, and I felt grateful I could help out even a little bit.” – Nicky, M&P, Medical Writer
July
After seven finalist nominations and FOUR WINS, we were pretty happy after the 2020 Communique Awards. It was a different ceremony this year; dancing on your own kitchen table isn’t quite the same… Looking forward to seeing everyone at 2021’s ceremony. Read the write-up on our wins here
August
Some stories really tug on the heartstrings. After listening to Adrian explain how his operation in the @B&L Eye Surgery Suite in Hull saved his career as a jeweller, we were so grateful to be able to share his experience with the wider world in August.
See his feature in the Yorkshire Post: https://bit.ly/37puGVe
September
“My favourite month this year was September, when I got hired by Mearns & Pike! I’d never worked in PR before, and I learnt so much just in the first few weeks. I’m really excited to bring in 2021 with all the lovely people in the company.” – Blánaid, Account Executive.
October
October wasn’t scary for us! Our story on Surgical Smart Glasses by MedtronicUK / RodsNCones received widespread coverage, including in The Sun and on The One Show. We were grateful to be able to raise awareness of all the hard work by Papworth Hospital and the tech that helps them do it!
November
In November, we took part in @PharmaTimes NHS Comms Team of the Year, in which you write and deliver a pitch in just two hours. What a way to get the adrenaline pumping! The competition was fantastic fun, made even better when we WON the award
December
“I’m so proud of what we have achieved this year. It is great to win awards but more than that knowing that our clients love what we have achieved together is what matters most.” – Kirsty Mearns
And that’s all folks! Thanks for spending a little bit of your tumultuous 2020 with us, and here’s hoping for bigger and brighter things in 2021.
Happy New Year!