25/04/2020 - Permalink

Coronavirus: News from our partners – Hospital trust overwhelmed by support, kindness and generosity of community

Related topics: Coronavirus / Health / Partner organisations

News from our partners Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH)

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) has thanked the public for their support and donations during the coronavirus pandemic.

Local communities and businesses have rallied to show support to hospital staff, donating a range of treats to brighten up their days, including handmade scrubs, hot takeaway meals, chocolates, toiletries, uniform wash bags and more.

Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust logo

Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust logo

Louise Barnett, Chief Executive at SaTH, which runs the Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford and the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH), said:

“From lovely rainbow coloured cards from children to beautiful handwritten notes to staff with encouraging words, the support and generosity shown to us has been truly heart-warming.

“The way people have come forward with such kindness has been phenomenal. It means so much to us all knowing that we have the support from our local community during these unprecedented times.

“I would also like to thank our staff who are doing a fantastic job. I am incredibly proud of the way they have stepped up to meet the demands of running our services during the outbreak.”

Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council both surprised staff with messages of thanks painted on the roads by RSH and PRH, while a balloon artist brightened up everyone’s day with a wonderful air-filled rainbow display at PRH.

The generosity of the local community has also enabled SaTH to create dedicated staff health and wellbeing hubs at PRH and RSH. These tranquil spaces are open to staff 24-hours-a-day and provide staff with a relaxing place to recharge throughout with complimentary refreshments and toiletries. Food and hot drinks are also being provided free in the hospital’s dining rooms to staff who are working overnight, and again local councils are helping support this.

Doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers at SaTH gather every Thursday evening at 8pm to take part in the national round of applause.

Dr Arne Rose, Medical Director at SaTH, said:

“The recognition we are receiving from our community means so much to us all, while it also an opportunity for us to say thank you to our fellow emergency service colleagues and other key workers who are keeping the country running during the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are also clapping those in our communities who have shown us such amazing kindness, support and generosity, and for listening to the Government advice and staying home to help protect our vital services.”

Ben Reid, Trust Chair, said:

“The way people have come forward to show their support for our staff has been phenomenal. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has got in touch over the last few weeks and supported our teams throughout these challenging times.”

If you are interested in supporting our hospitals, please visit our website to find out how you can help www.sath.nhs.uk or email we.supportsath@nhs.net.

Keep informed and sign up to our daily coronavirus email updates

Shropshire Council wants to keep you as up to date and informed as possible. To help us do this, we have developed a coronavirus update that will be sent daily at 8pm via email to anyone who has signed up to our e-bulletins.

This update includes the day’s key Shropshire Council news, and some key news from our partners, relating to coronavirus-linked issues.  Please click here to sign up for the updates.

Please do encourage your family and friends to sign up to the updates too. This will help us keep everyone up to date with the rapidly-evolving crisis.