AN appeal to support hospital staff and patients during the current coronavirus crisis has got off to a flying start.
It follows a call from Jason Levy of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity calling for people to get behind frontline staff at Worcestershire Royal and the Alexandra Hospital as well as staff right across the county.
Already more than £2,000 has been donated to the cause while supermarket giant Tesco has also stepped in to lend its support.
“We’re trying to be the representative body for the Trust (Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust) for those offering goods, services and accommodation so we can direct their support to the right people,” said Jason.
One issue was ensuring exhausted frontline staff could get the support they needed while on shift or taking a break.
“I know the Alex, my children were born there, and last Friday I called out to Tesco’s at Oakenshaw and asked if they could help,” said Jason.
“Saturday morning I got a call from them saying they had £600 worth of goods they wanted to offer in support, which was fantastic, and they’ve done the same in Worcester.”
As well as Tesco’s, companies – including Kidderminster Harriers Football Club – and individuals have been offering cakes, cooked foods, personal protective equipment and accommodation.
“We want to make sure during this crisis that people when they are discharged from hospital are well care for and have little things to boost moral like face creams and hand creams as well as things like hand sanitisers,” said Jason.
Jason added: “We are forming a Wellbeing Shop for the staff at our hospitals to access these donations and we are working with the community to support replenishment of sealed non-perishable items and care products as we continue to support of staff and patients through the pandemic.”
The charity has launched an appeal, at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/helpworcsacute for donations to directly support the clinical teams with care packages to ensure they have basic provisions to hand during their demanding shifts.
The public and local businesses can also work with the charity to direct emergency funding to where the need is greatest.
If local people or firms can lend support email [email protected].
There is also a dedicated phone line at 01562 828869.
