Staff at the James Cook and Friarage Hospitals say they have been overwhelmed by the support they have received from the community throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
As the South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust which runs the sites steps up plans to cope with more patients requiring hospital admission and respiratory support, teams have taken delivery of everything from towers of takeaway pizza and boxes of chocolates to supplies of essentials such as shower gel and underwear.
In fact, there have been so many kind donations that in order to comply with social distancing rules people making future drop offs are now being asked to book a delivery slot.
South Tees Hospitals Charity fundraisers and therapeutic care volunteers from the trust have stepped forward to coordinate the response and ensure items are fairly distributed to staff working across all trust sites.
Packs are also being delivered to hotel services staff including cleaners, caterers and porters.
Proceeds from the charity’s staff lottery have also been donated to the cause to help support members of staff with welfare packs and fulfil requests for additional specialist equipment.
The wish list for staff welfare packs includes:
- Toiletries – Deodorant, wipes, toothpaste, shower gel, lip salves, hand cream
- Food – Cuppa soups, noodles, soups /tins, pasta/rice packets, porridge
- Snacks – Cereal bars, wrapped biscuits, crisps, chocolate bars, dried fruit
- Drinks – Bottled water, juice, individual sachets of tea/coffee/hot chocolate/sugar, UHT milk
- Miscellaneous – Medium/large brown paper bags, underwear, socks
The Staff Restaurant at James Cook and Café Bar Plus at the Friarage are also providing a free daily hot meal for all hospital staff.
Suzi Campbell, from the charity’s fundraising team said: “So many people are pulling together, the community spirit is amazing.
“It really is a privilege to come to work and help with these special deliveries. They can make such a difference to our frontline staff after a long shift.”
Companies or community groups wanting to arrange a drop off at James Cook or the Friarage should contact stees.charity.queries@nhs.net.
Anyone who is unable to email can contact Tommy Harrington on 07970 250122 or Suzi Campbell on 01642 854160 or 07969 778818.
To view the full wish list visit www.southtees.nhs.uk/charity
To donate online visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/COVID-19SouthTees
Follow @STeesCharity on Facebook to see who has already donated/
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