A donation of £250,000 has been received by Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust from Barclays to support NHS staff working across Merseyside while they care for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ‘Support Our Staff’ fundraising appeal was launched by the Trust’s charity in response to COVID-19, with the aim of providing additional psychological and wellbeing support to affected staff.
The donation will enable the provision of essential items to staff rest areas, additional shower and changing facilities, wellbeing rooms and comfort packs.
Virtual visiting has also been boosted by the donation so that patients and their families can maintain contact during in-patient stays. The purchase of additional radios, TVs and craft items for wards will help to pass the long days at a time of restricted visiting.
The donation is one of the biggest ever given to the Trust’s R Charity, which raises funds for Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital, Liverpool University Dental Hospital and Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
Sue Musson, Chair of Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are so grateful for the support of Barclays and for this incredibly generous donation. This has significantly enhanced our ability to provide wellbeing support to our amazing staff and to improve the experience of patients across all our sites. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Barclays for their exceptional generosity.
“This support from a large corporate organisation is a great example of how our community here in Liverpool has come together to support each other during the challenges of COVID-19.”
Julie Rimmer, Site President at Barclays Liverpool Contact Centre, said: “This crisis has had an unprecedented impact across the UK and we know this is an incredibly challenging time for many in the Liverpool City Region. By reaching those most in need of support, local charities, such as Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s R Charity, have played a vital role in this crisis to date, and no doubt they will do going forward. As a proud member of our community, we are doing everything we can for our customers, clients and colleagues, and we hope this partnership will allow many others to access the help they need as this crisis develops.”
In April, Barclays announced a £100m Community Aid Package to support charities that are helping people and communities most impacted by COVID-19. Alongside a colleague-matched fundraising initiative and the £10m pledged through their 100×100 Programme, Barclays is donating funds to charity partners across the UK, Americas, Asia and Europe to ensure help reaches those who need it most. In the UK, these partners include those who are meeting the immediate needs of low-income families, those facing financial hardship, isolated elderly people, NHS staff and key workers.
