Another chance to support our NHS heroes
NOTTINGHAM ASKED TO BACK THE FRONTLINE ONCE AGAIN
A BID to back Nottingham hospital staff in the pandemic now aims to raise a further £100,000 as the NHS experiences its busiest time ever.
The Help your Hospital Heroes appeal was launched by Nottingham Hospitals Charity in March last year to help staff at the start of the virus emergency.
The appeal raised £275,000 in just over two months, with donations coming from individuals, families, community groups and businesses.
The fundraising campaign has now been relaunched as hospital admissions continue to increase and NHS staff still find themselves stretched this winter.
Barbara Cathcart, chief executive of Nottingham Hospitals Charity, said: “When we launched our emergency appeal last March, we were absolutely astounded by the response from the local community. This has been a challenging year for so many of us, but it has been truly heartwarming to see the people of Nottinghamshire rally together to support their local NHS workers.
“As the virus rate continues to increase and the pressure on our hospitals mounts, we’re once again asking the people of Nottinghamshire to support the doctors, nurses, administration staff and all the other NHS workers who are continuing to care for our community at this difficult time.”
Money raised last year was used to help create wellbeing centres at the City Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre, workers could take breaks and receive support, as well as four sleep pods where they could get some rest.
Funds were also used to improve a variety of indoor and outdoor rest areas, to allow staff to take time away from the busy hospital environment.
Kerry Jones, senior nurse at NUH and member of the trust’s Covid-19 staff support group, said: “The idea for the Wellbeing Centres came from staff, who wanted a place where they and their colleagues could go for both physical and emotional support during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The centres have been extremely wellused – some staff want to just come and put their feet up, have a coffee and take a break for a short while, and others are coming for support and to talk their worries through with somebody.
“These wellbeing centres are having a tremendously positive impact on staff, and they simply would not have been possible without the support of Nottingham Hospitals Charity and all the people who have donated.” The charity now hopes to offer even more to support staff at Nottingham’s hospitals as the pandemic continues.
To donate, visit nottinghamhospitalscharity.org.uk/ appeals/help-your-hospital
When we launched the appeal, we were absolutely astounded by the response
Barbara Cathcart