You will almost certainly have seen the national fundraising campagin run by the amazing team at NHS Charities Together last year. Thousands of people across the country showed their generosity and support for the NHS. Staff, patients and relatives all benefitted hugely from the outpouring of love and togetherness shown by the Great British Public, and the amount of fundraising undertaken for NHS Charities was truly heartwarming to see.
Of all the amazing fundraising for the COVID-19 Urgent Appeal, perhaps the greatest story was that of war veteran Sir Captain Tom Moore, who raised a staggering £32.7m for NHS Charities by walking 100 laps of his garden to celebrate his 100th birthday.
As a result of the fundraising of Sir Captain Tom, and everone else who donated towards the appeal, NHS Charities throughout the country were given grants to help relieve the pressures created by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Below is a list of ways we have used our funding to help our staff and patients throughout the pandemic.
Care Packages
Throughout the Spring of 2020, we delivered care packages to our frontline teams throughout the Trust. Our staff, who often spent days in full PPE, received boxes of refreshements, including bottled water, juices, healthy snacks, instant meals, chocolate bars, deoderants, hand cream, face wipes etc. to help them through their busy and stressful shifts as they cared for their patients.
Physiotherapist & Psychologist
With the funding provided, we have been able to employ both a Physiotherapist and a Physchologist for staff to access, should they require any help with their physical or mental health wellbeing as a result of the pressures of the Pandemic. At a time when many of our staff are incredibly focused on their patients, they are able to access either of these services to promote their own health and wellbeing.
Schwarz Rounds
We are currently offering Schwartz Rounds, using the funding provided. Schwarz Rounds are an evidence-based forum for hospital staff from all backgrounds to come together to talk about the emotional and social challenges of caring for patients. The aim is to offer staff a safe environment in which to share their stories and offer support to one another.
Refurbished Staff Areas
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how important it is for staff to have access to an area where the can decompress, relax and take a moment for themselves. We have been using funding to refurbish staff areas, to ensure they are as comfortable as they can be when our staff need to take a breather and reset.
Staff Wellbeing Rooms
Following on from the last point, we have also set up 3 Staff Wellbeing rooms across the Trust. These can be accessed by all staff, and are regularly restocked with snacks, refreshments and toileteries if staff ever need a queit place to freshen up, or relax with a cup of tea and a biscuit during their breaktimes.
