Every little helps when patient Beverley Gulford got the chance to speak and see her Tesco colleagues.

Leah Annis Taylor who works at Tesco in Walsall contacted our Fundraising Manager Georgie Westley to see how they could cheer up their good friend and colleague Beverley after she was admitted to Ward 15 at the Manor Hospital.

Georgie suggested having a video call which has been introduced to the trust during the Covid-19 pandemic using iPads and other devices that have been donated to the Well Wishers charity by generous members of the community.

Close colleague Julie Rowson gathered all of Beverley’s friends around the Tesco Walsall customer service desk so that they were all ready and waiting to see her.

Beverley was ecstatic and she described seeing her colleagues as “so lovely” with a tear or two being shed between both screens saying how much they all missed each other.

Georgie added:

“I was aware of the video calling between families on the wards and have spoken to families who have said what a difference it makes. But to have now been privileged to see first-hand the effect this has on patients – watching the smile across Beverley’s face was amazing, priceless”.

Patients at the hospital who are unable to see their families because of the current Covid-19 restrictions can now talk and see their loved ones remotely using trust iPads, tablets and mobile phones. Contact the Patient Experience Team on 01922 656903 to find out more.