NHS letter of thanks is sent to church
THE NHS has sent a letter of thanks to a church in Southport for their support.
It was sent to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints by the chief executive of NHS Blood and Transplant, Betsy Bassis, and says: “I would like to thank you personally on behalf of NHS Blood and Transplant for supporting blood donation during these unprecedented times. Covid-19 has created challenges for us all.
“Yet thanks to your ongoing support, we have not faltered in being able to meet hospital demand for lifesaving blood to help patients in need across the country.
“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and your congregations across the country have stepped up to the challenge and not only continued to host blood donation sessions throughout, but were also willing to support us with additional church venues if needed.
“Please accept our sincere gratitude for all your support.”
The church building, situated on Preston New Road in Southport, was made available to the blood service a total of nine times in 2020, all at no charge to the NHS.
Bishop of the local congregation, Peter Rigby, added: “I am grateful to my local members who volunteered to help make these sessions possible.
“The NHS also put in place extra safety measures and cleaning regimes and their trained staff were in place to check everyone before they entered the building.
“Working together we were able to provided the much needed blood to those requiring it.”