SUPERHERO care boxes are being put together for front-line NHS staff.
University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire Charity is raising money to create care packages for NHS workers tackling the coronavirus pandemic.
The charity is calling for donations to stock the boxes with snacks and drinks to boost energy and morale for staff working long shifts.
So far the ‘Support our NHS Superheroes’ campaign has raised over £1,000 which will also fund extra facilities for hospital staff treating Covid-19 patients, including additional lockers for junior doctors – so they can bring a change of clothes and toiletries for long shifts – and an area for staff with comfy chairs for much-needed breaks.
Charity head Jo O’Sullivan said: “The idea for the campaign was first raised after Amie Burbridge, acute medicine consultant at University Hospital Coventry and a mum-of-two, was understandably worried about the increased strain the virus will have on her front-line colleagues.
“Staff are working long shifts, some for 12 days in a row, so this is the time when they will need our support more than ever, and the extra facilities will help to make their lives easier.
“With your support we are working to provide an area where staff can relax, so that they can come and take some time out to be kind to themselves.
“The superhero care boxes will provide staff with snacks to boost energy levels and drinks to hydrate during long shifts. Having somewhere away from the emergency department and wards where they can rest just for ten minutes will make such a difference and the additional lockers will really help the junior doctors looking after patients.
“We are trying to raise as much money as possible so that we can provide ongoing support to our staff who are working hard on the front-line throughout this pandemic, so any donations are appreciated!”
The campaign will also fund extra items and facilities for the hospital’s busiest wards including the respiratory, medical decisions, critical care, care for the elderly wards and the accident and emergency departments.
Consultant Amie Burbridge added: “We are facing a global crisis and our almost 9000 UHCW NHS Trust staff are key to helping fight this disease, but we are only human, we get tired the same as everyone, so being able to relax in a comfy chair and recharge our batteries during this stressful time is important.
“Knowing that others care enough to provide us with these superhero care boxes will boost morale and help us through long shifts – your support for staff and patients will make treating this pandemic far easier.”
Visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com and search University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire Charity to donate.