The COVID-19 pandemic has been a scary and worrying time for most of us. But amongst the fear, The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (ROH) boasts many exceptional members of staff going above and beyond to help.
Two members of clinical staff, Natalie Jackson and Olivia O’Connell, have been fundraising to make the lives of staff and patients a little bit easier whilst the hospital deals with the coronavirus.
Natalie is a Rapid Response Sister at the ROH and was inspired to fundraise after infection control guidelines were put in place requiring staff to shower after caring for patients suspected, or confirmed, to have COVID-19. To take the financial burden off staff, and the Trust itself, Natalie and her colleague Hannah Pollard, raised over £600 to fill baskets full of essentials such as shower gel, shampoo and deodorant, as well as extras like sweets and biscuits. The baskets each come with a rainbow, drawn by Natalie’s children.
She said: “We are needed. So we continue to do what we do best – go to work and smile. We care for your loved ones as if they were our own.” She described the staff at the ROH as “amazing people” and says she has been “completely overwhelmed” by peoples’ generosity.
Olivia O’Connell is a nurse on Ward 12 and her fundraising has helped towards the wellbeing of patients at the hospital affected by the outbreak. She has so far raised over £1,100 and has used the money to provide toiletries, newspapers and other treats for patients, as those in isolation are unable to receive these from friends or family.
She said: “Sometimes all it takes is something small to make their day a bit brighter and a little less scary.
“They don’t even get to see another smile with the protective gear.”
You can visit our COVID-19 support page, created by The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Charitable Fund, to donate here.