Media Release
Date: 10 April 2020
Hospital Heroes Appeal raises almost £80K for staff at RUH Bath
An incredible £77,000 has been raised to support staff at the Royal United Hospitals Bath during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Hospital Heroes Appeal was launched by the RUH's charity The Forever Friends Appeal just over three weeks ago and the charity has been overwhelmed by the generosity from the public and local businesses.
The money raised will purchase items needed for care packages and vital equipment to support the Critical Care unit, Respiratory unit and Emergency Department and many more areas in the RUH.
Rhyannon Boyd, Head of Fundraising, The Forever Friends Appeal said: "We are extremely grateful to everyone who has donated to our appeal. We can't thank everyone enough for thinking of our staff during this difficult time, it really means a lot.
"We have been blown away by the number of people who want to do something to support and recognize our committed NHS workforce during this COVID-19 situation.
"Some of the money has already enabled us to buy reclining bed chairs for our Critical Care staff to sleep on if they need to rest after a shift. We've also provided a new secure video messaging service called vCreate to help patients in Intensive Therapy Unit connect with their loved ones. And we also continue to provide pre-packed food and toiletries for our hard working staff and much more."
James Scott, RUH Chief Executive said: "It is heart-warming to see all the support and acts of kindness already flooding in for our staff. To everyone who has already contributed – thank you, and to those of you thinking of making a donation, we really value your help in these uncertain times."
If you would like to show your support for our hospital heroes, the best ways are either – make an online donation to our Hospital Heroes Appeal, register to be a volunteer at the RUH and/or share the charity's news and thank you messages on your socials. Unfortunately, due to infection control restrictions, the RUH cannot accept handmade gifts or homemade food from the public.
To find out about the charity's Hospital Heroes Appeal and/or apply as a volunteer visit www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk