Businesses have given a massive helping hand to staff and patients at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust thanks to a special WhatsApp group set up in partnership with its Well Wishers charity.
It has meant that more than £1,000 worth of water, food, drinks, snacks, fruit and puzzle books has been coming into Walsall Manor Hospital and its community services since February to boost staff involved in the organisation’s Covid-19 pandemic efforts and to support patients who have been unable to have visitors.
Now that the trust is focusing on recovery and restoration, businesses have been thanked for their efforts and advised that no more donations will now be needed.
Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager, explained: “These donations were requested through fundraising via ward managers who felt teams needed some additional health and wellbeing support due to the demands of the pandemic at that time.
“The businesses, the majority of which were through Best of Walsall, have been absolutely fantastic and have looked after both our staff and patients and we are so grateful to them for their generosity. It has also been a big morale boost to staff who have seen such kindness over a difficult period and our patients have benefitted too.
“But now that restrictions are gradually lifting nationally and numbers are more manageable we have said that these donations are no longer needed. Over this time we’ve been able to support the Critical Care Unit, Hollybank House, Theatres, Ward 17 and our NIV Unit and give patients a little pick me up.”
Director of Integration Matthew Dodd personally thanked Richard from Drain Doctors, Tesco community champion Leah and all those involved when they delivered their final weekend donation.
He said: “Thank you for your amazing support to Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, the Well Wishers Business WhatsApp group has been a fantastic initiative and your kind efforts have meant so much to all our staff, it’s much appreciated”.
Particular thanks goes to the business on the WhatsApp group:
- Best of Walsall
- Coinadrink
- Drain Doctor Plumbing
- Chair of Union of Muslim Organisation
- Tesco, Walsall
- Asda, St Matthews, Walsall
- Morrisons, Bescot
- Morrisons, Willenhall
- Dynamic Security
- Ace Cars and Minibuses
- Eurofoods Ltd
- Vibrant Network
- Free Move
- Amore De Leah