Nurse’s cards keep patients in touch

A NURSE who overcame coronavirus while working on the front line at Ninewells Hospital has raised more than £400 to buy tablets for patients on the wards.

Ellie Sharkey had been making her own postcards to raise cash for the NHS when she fell ill with the virus herself.

After recovering she got back to work - and in just over four weeks she has made more than 140 postcards and raised more than £400, which has been used to purchase tablets and cases for patients.

The 22-year-old from Arbroath is currently based on the Covid-19 wards, after being drafted in from orthopaedics.

After testing positive for coronavirus, Ellie took some time off to recover.

She said: “It was quite tough. I was quite tired and a bit unwell and the fatigue just knocks you. I was lucky that I recovered so quickly.

“I’d started to make the postcards as I wanted to make people smile during this difficult time while also raising funds for NHS Tayside’s Covid-19 wards.”

Ellie said patients would be able to use the tablets to connect with their relatives.

“It will mean they can speak directly to the patients,” she said. “It makes the patients light up when they can speak to their relatives and loved ones. Some of them have been in for weeks.

“My partner and I personally made and donated cards to our local supermarkets in Arbroath, as well as to the local hospital, police, ambulance and fire station to lift spirits and thank them for everything they are doing.”

Ellie makes several postcard designs including ones which read “you are amazing” and “get well soon”. She also makes a “bestie” card for people to send to friends.

She will also write a message on the card if requested. She added: “We posted some to Ireland, others to the south of England. It’s amazing.

“We have been able to buy so many tablets and it’s going to make such a difference. I didn’t realise we were going to make so much money. I’m really grateful and it’s nice to make a difference. Everyone is doing their part, I just wanted to do something so I could give back.”

Speaking about working on the wards, Ellie said: “Obviously relatives can’t visit so a lot of the patients are having to say their goodbyes on Facetime. It has been tough but, like everywhere, everyone is pulling together to do their best. I work with a great team.”

Anyone still looking to get a postcard can contact Ellie on her Facebook page, Ellielou Sharkey.

NHS Tayside has been approached for comment.

Ellie Sharkey is delighted her postcards have made so much money.