A TOTAL of £100k has been raised as part of a Daily Echo backed campaign to support NHS staff.

On March 20, Southampton Hospitals Charity (SHC) launched an appeal to support the mental and physical wellbeing of the staff at University Hospital Southampton (UHS) who are facing unprecedented pressure whilst they deliver life-saving care and tackle the COVID-19 virus.

It was revealed yesterday that a total of £100,000 has been raised by the public to enable organisers to fund wellness packages with hand creams, food supplies and mental health support information.

Daily Echo:

Joint Interim Director of SHC, Jeneen Thomsen said, “In just a few weeks, we’ve raised £100 000 and the response from the local community has been absolutely incredible.

"The donations will support not only those who are treating patients with COVID-19 but also those working across the hospital who have had to rapidly adjust their ways of working, to both protect the health of vulnerable patients, and to clear vital bed space in anticipation of a spike in COVID-19 patients requiring critical care.”

Daily Echo:

Along with UHS Senior Management, and the Staff Wellbeing and Resistance Committee, the charity has been able to distribute support where it was most needed.

Daily Echo:

This includes staff wellbeing packs and coffee machines across the hospital, as well as radios to help patients during their isolated hospital stay, and microwaves for theatre staff to heat up lunches and dinners.

The money has also gone towards iPads for the Occupational Health team, enabling them to do interactive sessions with staff whilst remaining off site, and tablets for staff so that they can connect safely with their loved ones at home whilst working long shifts or isolating themselves.

The Charity will also be supporting specialist psychological support for staff, both now and into the future as they deal with and recover from the immensely traumatic experience of delivering care through the pandemic.

While this service is essential to help staff cope now and in the coming months, the team are also mindful that it will be just as important to provide psychological help after the crisis is over.

The Daily Echo backed the campaign as part of the Daily Echo #ThereWithYou to support residents and commit to shine a light on unsung heroes in our community.

To donate visit www.southamptonhospitalscharity.org/NHSheroes or text NHSHEROES 3 to 70460 to donate £3; NHSHEROES 5 to 70460 to donate £5; NHSHEROES 10 to 70460 to donate £10.