Love Musgrove, the official charity of Musgrove Park Hospital, has seen a huge number of donations to support staff and patients during the Covid-19 pandemic and in just four weeks, the Covid-19 Response Fund has passed the £80,000 mark.
Donations have flooded in from all corners of the Somerset Community to support the incredible work of NHS staff working tirelessly across the county. The staff at the hospital have echoed Love Musgrove’s words of thanks highlighting the real difference that money like this will make. However, there is still more to be done and work is being done with staff who are experiencing challenges every day to see how they can be supported.
These funds are already being spent on a number of projects to make sure that staff are given everything they need to continue to deliver excellent care. The charity has partnered with Taunton School to fund ‘Grab and Go’ food boxes for staff so they don’t need to worry about preparing nutritious meals before long shifts. With over 300 made so far, donations will mean Love Musgrove and Taunton School can continue to feed staff as long as the pandemic continues.
After suggestions from staff, Love Musgrove has purchased 150 digital radios to keep isolated and elderly patients entertained while visits are unable to take place and staff are also exploring ways that donations can be used to help those in isolation communicate with their loved ones. iPads have also been purchased so that patients can keep in touch with their families.
Love Musgrove is also giving funds to the hospital’s Activity Coordinators so they can put on even more entertainment and support for patients that will benefit, whilst there are restrictions on visitors. Money is also being given to the Chaplaincy and Bereavement Teams to support their work during this difficult time.
This amazing appeal total includes £35,000 from NHS Charities Together, an overarching organisation that is coordinating a national campaign for funds for its 140 member NHS Charities. This money has been raised by members of the public taking part in challenges like Run For Heroes, and from Fundraisers like Captain Tom Moore, who is walking 100 garden lengths for his 100th birthday!
As work continues to happen right across Musgrove, there are several easy ways to donate:
Love Musgrove has also received strong support from Somerset County Gazette readers, with more than £3,800 coming directly from those using the printed donation form.
If you would like to get involved in supporting the Covid-19 Response Fund in a more active way, please get in contact with the Love Musgrove Fundraising Team at fundraising@tst.nhs.uk or on 07557 012467.
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