Echo-backed hospital campaign raises £22k in just days

An emergency appeal backed by the Daily Echo in Bournemouth to support NHS staff has raised £22,000 in a matter of days.

Bournemouth Hospital Charity has received more than £22,000 in donations from the community, which will be used to help staff involved in the Coronavirus fightback.

From cleaners, to catering staff, porters, back office administrators, nurses, health care assistants, registrars, paramedics, doctors or consultants — dedicated NHS staff are going above and beyond during this health emergency, the Echo told readers.

The donations the charity receives will be used to fund a number of items, including personal care packages, non-perishable food and drink, access to psychologists and activities and journals that promote positive mental health.

“It has been so heartening to see our communities rallying around our hospitals during these challenging times,” said Debbie Fleming, joint chief executive of the Royal Bournemouth & Christchurch Hospitals and Poole Hospital trust.

“It is really important that staff across our trusts know just how much they are appreciated.”

Karen Smith, the charity’s fundraising manager, said: “We support our staff in a number of ways and are blown away by the response to our emergency NHS Heroes appeal.

“We are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.

“If you’re working from home you could donate the cost of your daily commute or your takeaway coffee — we’ll make sure your money keeps our frontline staff going.

Emergency department practice educator Jen Wilkins said: ‘Thank you everyone for your kind gifts and generous contributions. We really appreciate it and it has made a massive difference to staff morale, so thank you very much. But please the biggest gift you could give us right now is to stay at home for your own safety and others.”