St John Ambulance volunteers working on the frontline at Brighton and Haywards Heath hospitals

St John Ambulance volunteers are helping in the fight against coronavirus at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath.
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Since the outbreak of the virus, the first aid charity has been supporting the NHS by providing ambulance crews and volunteers to work in hospitals – including the NHS Nightingale Hospital in London.

And now, it is working in partnership with the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, providing volunteers to support clinical teams at the Princess Royal Hospital and the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

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Dr Lynn Thomas, St John Ambulance’s medical director, said: “In hospital emergency departments and associated wards, we’re sending in our experienced first aiders to work under the supervision of nursing staff.

The St John Ambulance volunteers at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton - Callum Ward, Darren Owen, Jodie Kinnersley, Declan Dexter, David Terry

Picture: St John AmbulanceThe St John Ambulance volunteers at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton - Callum Ward, Darren Owen, Jodie Kinnersley, Declan Dexter, David Terry

Picture: St John Ambulance
The St John Ambulance volunteers at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton - Callum Ward, Darren Owen, Jodie Kinnersley, Declan Dexter, David Terry Picture: St John Ambulance

“Their role will be similar to that performed by healthcare assistants in a hospital setting, including routine work such as assisting patients with eating and drinking, patient hygiene, taking and noting observations, and general care and cleaning.”

Carolyn Morrice, chief nurse for Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, said the team were delighted to welcome the volunteers, who, she said, are providing support to staff on the frontline in our emergency and urgent care departments.

She added: “We are extremely grateful for their support at a time when everyone is working together as one, to respond to the coronavirus crisis.”

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The St John Ambulance volunteers are among more than 2,500 to have received additional training to prepare them for their new roles on the frontline.

St John Ambulance volunteers at the Princess Royal Hospital – Sally Elliott, Sarah Toms and Matthew ReidSt John Ambulance volunteers at the Princess Royal Hospital – Sally Elliott, Sarah Toms and Matthew Reid. Picture: St John AmbulanceSt John Ambulance volunteers at the Princess Royal Hospital – Sally Elliott, Sarah Toms and Matthew ReidSt John Ambulance volunteers at the Princess Royal Hospital – Sally Elliott, Sarah Toms and Matthew Reid. Picture: St John Ambulance
St John Ambulance volunteers at the Princess Royal Hospital – Sally Elliott, Sarah Toms and Matthew ReidSt John Ambulance volunteers at the Princess Royal Hospital – Sally Elliott, Sarah Toms and Matthew Reid. Picture: St John Ambulance

Darren Owen, a volunteer, commented: “This is a vital role in supporting the NHS during extraordinary circumstances; we hope by working closely together we can ease some pressure on clinical staff during this difficult time.

“I’ve been absolutely astounded by the response from our volunteers – so many want to get involved with this project and support the NHS in their local community.

“I’m incredibly proud of everything we’re doing, and we’re delighted to be part of the hospitals’ dedicated and incredible teams during this health crisis. We’ve had a very warm welcome from all involved.”

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A fundraising appeal has been launched to support the charity’s ongoing role and to secure its future.

For more information, visit www.sja.org.uk/savelives.

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