Staff working across both Epsom and St Helier hospitals have spoken out to thank the community for its support amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
Hundreds of people are said to have reached out to help support the NHS Trust, including one generous philanthropist giving 1,000 free meals for staff, as well as a father and son-in-law duo who shaved their hair off.
Staff across both hospitals have been working round-the-clock to provide expert care to an unprecedented number of patients in need of life-saving treatment.
Joint Medical Director, Dr Ruth Charlton, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has taken the time to offer their support over the past few weeks.
Chief executive Daniel Elkeles delivers homemade, donated cake to Sutton Health and Care
“Our staff are going above and beyond to protect and care for our patients, keep services running and reduce the risk to the public, fellow colleagues and their loved ones. Of course, our staff will be here for you whatever happens and our commitment to help keeping people safe and as well as possible will not change.
“We are doing as much as we can to make life a little easier for our staff, including offering free parking, additional psychological and health and wellbeing support, and our onsite shops have changed their stock to include fresh vegetables and home essentials, and are offering protected shopping time for staff.
London Fire Brigade donated Easter eggs
“We have received some very touching messages of support for our staff, as well as some very generous donations and discount offers – these gestures are greatly appreciated by our teams and a great boost to morale in this busy and difficult time. We owe everyone who has already donated, whether big or small, a huge thank you.”
Donations have also come in from local individuals, community groups and sports clubs, schools, as well as lots of companies including TX Maxx, Uber, Boots, Pizza Express, KFC, Dominos, Fireaway, Starbucks, Eucerin Skincare, Eve Beds, Café Nero, Pure Food Systems, Michael Clark, Costco, Asda, Waitrose, Sainsburys, Lidl, Morrisons, Tesco, M&S, Debenhams, Wilsons, Wow Hydrate, Tropical Skin Care, Sodafolk, Howdens, Dukes Head Wallington, AJ Building, Scott Dunn Travel, North Woodcote Green Nurseries and Miller Harris with more coming in every day. Nike have also offered their support, donating around 400 trainers and sports kits.
For more information on how you can support the team, you can contact the Charity Team at esth.charity@nhs.net.
For more information about the Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity (registered charity number 1049197) visit www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/epsom-and-st-helier-hospitals-charity.
You can donate to the NHS Trust’s coronavirus response cause at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ThankYouESTH.
For up-to-date information on coronavirus, go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
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