Caring NHS staff at the heart of the crisis
been helping to keep patients connected with their family and friends via FaceTime while relatives and carers receive regular updates by phone.
And thousands of knitted or crocheted hearts have been donated as a symbol of condolence.
Dr Anna Porteous, consultant in palliative medicine based at South Tyneside District Hospital, said: “At this traumatic time, it is so important that we continue to demonstrate the compassion that we are usually able to offer to patients’ loved ones face to face on a regular basis.
“It is clear from the messages we receive with many of the donated hearts that those involved in crafting them are finding it therapeutic and rewarding to be involved in this project and staff are grateful for the opportunity to offer this personal, caring touch.
“As a symbol of their care, a member of staff who has got to know the patient well can write a personal message of condolence in a card, sending this with a donated heart and a small packet of Forget Me Not seeds to the patient’s family.”
Sonia Thompson, specialist palliative care nurse at Sunderland Royal Hospital, said: “Our hearts go out to families and we want to do all we can to support them.
“This is also a very upsetting time for our staff; they get to know the patients and they may be fearful for their own health so we are very conscious of the need to give them the emotional and psychological support they need.”
The Trust has launched a new initiative, #SendingLove, to enable people to send messages, letters and photographs for their loved ones in hospital, whether or not they are COVID-19 patients. To join in #SendingLove, visit www.stsft.nhs. uk/patients-and-visitors/ sending-love