Nurses at Northfield’s Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (ROH) are going above and beyond to help their patients and fellow staff members during the coronavirus outbreak.
The COVID-19 pandemic currently gripping the country is a great worry for staff on the frontline and patients and their families.
But two members of clinical staff at ROH have been fundraising to make the lives of staff and patients a little bit easier while the hospital deals with the coronavirus.
Treats for patients
24 year old Olivia O’Connell from Kings Norton is a newly qualified nurse. She has worked on Ward 12 for just two months, normally dealing with patients undergoing routine hip and knee operations.
When the COVID-19 outbreak began, Olivia wanted to do something to help patients who were unable to have visitors. So far she has raised over £1,100 to buy supplies of toiletries, newspapers and other treats for patients, as those in isolation are unable to receive these from friends or family.
She said: “I started this fund because I wanted to provide patients with a small bit of reality – small home comforts they aren’t able to get from their family right now.
“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.”
She thanked all who had contributed to and shared the fundraiser, saying: “To say I am absolutely overwhelmed by the support I have received, would be a massive understatement! I have nothing but gratitude and appreciation for you all!”
Supporting “amazing” staff
After infection control guidelines were updated to require all staff to shower after caring for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients, Rapid Response Sister Natalie Jackson was inspired to fundraise to support staff.
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 were each brightened with a rainbow, drawn by Natalie’s children.
natalie 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.
To donate or see how you can help, please visit the ROH Charitable Fund COVID-19 support page.
