Hospital friends thank donors and renew NHS funding appeal

FRONTLINE NHS staff have thanked donors who have pledged close to £4,000 after an appeal last week to support Lymington New Forest Hospital.

Local residents have given £2,400 and businesses £1,400, the Friends of Lymington hospital revealed, as trustees urged people to continue to give.

The money has been used to support staff and purchase crucial items, such as disposable plastic seat covers. Pay-as-you-go phones have also been handed to patients to help them keep in touch with families.

Ben Goodwin, divisional director of AHP and Nursing at Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the Ampress hospital, said staff were very grateful for any help they received.

“Many thanks for thinking of our hard-working teams at this time. I know that you are always thinking of us, but now more than ever it is appreciated,” he said.

“Also, huge thanks for the packs of disposable seat covers to help our community nursing teams stay safe and protect vulnerable patients during home visits.”

Inpatient matron Alison Davies added: “Thank you for supplying the moisturising cream for staff and mobile phones for patients on the wards.

“We are very grateful for your kind and continued support. I can assure you it means a great deal to our staff.”

As reported in the A&T, Lymington Hospital Friends called for donations to help workers as well as patients and relatives amid the coronavirus spread.

It promised the proceeds would go toward frontline staff and their needs, wellbeing and morale, as well as provide facilities identified by the hospital that can improve the comfort of patients during restricted visiting.

A spokesman for Lymington Hospital Friends said it was vital locals continue to help staff on the frontline – especially in the coming weeks when Covid-19 infections may hit peak levels.

A spokesman added: “Lymington Hospital Friends needs your help to urgently raise funds to support staff and patients on the frontline by donating to their Covid-19 NHS Appeal.

“Your donations will be spent to help where the need is the greatest to support staff wellbeing and patient care.”

To support the appeal visit www.lymingtonhospitalfriends.org. Adding Gift Aid will increase donations by 25p for every £1 given.

Donors can also text LYMHF to 70970 to donate £5 or LYMHF to 70191 to pledge £10.