NHS charity launches fundraising appeal to support hospital staff in West Sussex

An appeal has been launched to support staff at St Richard’s, Worthing and Southlands Hospitals during the coronavirus crisis.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Love Your Hospital, the dedicated charity of Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has launched the Hospital Heroes COVID-19 Appeal to help staff caring for patients with the virus.

The charity, which raises funds to provide state-of-the-art medical equipment, upgrade hospital facilities and support staff development, is now focusing its efforts on supporting the health and wellbeing of clinical and non-clinical staff being hailed by the local community as ‘hospital heroes’.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Alan McCarthy, trust chairman said: “We are all so proud of our dedicated staff who are showing real resilience in helping us to deal with the coronavirus outbreak.

Hospital staff thank the public for their supportHospital staff thank the public for their support
Hospital staff thank the public for their support

“Not only are they caring for the most vulnerable in our communities, but many staff are isolated from their own families and working longer hours than expected so they can be there for us all.

“I do hope everyone will get behind our charity’s Hospital Heroes COVID-19 appeal to help give back to staff during this challenging time.”

Coronavirus in the UK is still rising with the Government predicting more cases will emerge in the coming weeks.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

NHS staff – including nurses, doctors, midwives, paramedics, domestic cleaners, porters, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals – are among the most vital key workers in the ongoing fight against this virus, Mr McCathry said.

Funds raised from the appeal could help the charity provide ‘comfort packs’ for staff working long shifts, especially those who are staying in emergency accommodation, away from their own homes and families.

Unfortunately, due to hospital restrictions at present, St Richard’s, Worthing and Southlands Hospitals cannot accept physical donations or gifts, said Mr McCarthy.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Instead, staff are encouraging people to donate money so that the Trust can best decide where the need is greatest.

David Clayton-Evans, head of charity at Love Your Hospital, said: “We have been amazed at the level of support coming in from people across West Sussex and we know there is a real desire to make sure NHS staff are being cared for too.

“We have launched this COVID-19 appeal to do just that and I’d like to say a heartfelt thanks in advance to everyone for their support of our wonderful hospital teams who are doing a tremendous job.”

To donate to Love Your Hospital’s Hospital Heroes COVID-19 appeal, visit justgiving.com/campaign/WSHTHospitalHeroes

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Financial donations may also be sent to: Love Your Hospital COVID-19 Appeal, St Richard’s Hospital, Stillman House, Spitalfield Lane, Chichester PO19 6SE or to make a donation by credit card over the phone, please call 0800 028 4890.

Across the county, residents took to their doorsteps, balconies and windows last night to show their appreciation for the NHS with a round of applause – read more here.

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

Thank you for reading this story on our website.

But I also have an urgent plea to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality local news on this free-to-read site and in print, please purchase a copy of our newspaper as well. With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on our town centres and many of our valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you buying a copy.

Our journalists are highly trained by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards anywhere in the world. Our content is universally trusted - as all independent research proves.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As Baroness Barran said in a House of Lords debate this week on the importance of journalists: “Not only are they a trusted source of facts, but they will have a role to play in rallying communities and getting the message across about how we can keep ourselves and our families safe, and protect our NHS. Undoubtedly, they have a critical role.”

But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis. In return we will continue to forensically cover the local news - not only the impact of the virus but all the positive and uplifting news happening in these dark days.

We thank all our readers and advertisers for their understanding and support - and we wish YOU all the best in the coming weeks. Keep safe, and follow the Government advice. Thank you.

Related topics: