Hospital staff make cracking Easter donation

JUDITH TONNER

Generous staff at Monklands Hospital donated more than 100 kilograms of food plus a huge batch of Easter eggs to Airdrie foodbank.

Junior doctors and colleagues at the Airdrie hospital collected dozens of bags of staple supplies for the local charity, who are continuing to provide food parcels for local residents in need during the coronavirus restrictions.

The dedicated staff members decided to support the foodbank to show their appreciation for the support they have received from the community as they work harder than ever, looking after patients with Covid-19.

Angela Steed, the hospital’s medical workforce support manager, said: “The collection was organised by University Hospital Monklands’ junior doctors, who have been very grateful for all of the donations made to staff over the last few weeks.

“Staff at the hospital have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity.

“And everyone here just wanted the community to know all staff are also thinking of them too.”

Volunteers at the charity received a further boost from hospital staff, as workers from its estates department delivered a consignment of chocolate eggs to be distributed to spread cheer over the Easter period.

Airdrie Foodbank manager David Findlay said: “It was really heartwarming to see that staff at the hospital, who are already under tremendous pressure, took the time to make this generous donation and think of others as they battle so courageously against this terrible pandemic.”

He added: “Thank you to all who have donated over the past few weeks – especially Ann at Morrisons in Airdrie, British Gas staff Bob, Paul and Karim who have been helping us with deliveries, and our loyal volunteers, without whose help with distribution and packing we would have struggled to cope.”

Eggs-ellent surprise Morag Rennie of Monklands Hospital estates department presents Easter eggs donated by staff to delighted Airdrie foodbank volunteer John Sheridan

Tasty treats Senior ITU charge nurse Margaret Harkins and colleague Anne Seggie with items collected for the foodbank