A major new initiative to support NHS staff and thank them for their work during the pandemic has launched on the Isle of Wight.
‘Support the Frontline’ is the brainchild of Island residents Andrew Palmer and former High Sheriff Robin Courage. They realised that staff at the Island’s only hospital needed practical and moral support whilst chatting to a doctor about his experiences during the pandemic.
Modelled on a successful initiative in London, they have been working with the hospital and local businesses to deliver a freshly cooked, nutritious meal to NHS staff at the end of their long 12-hour shifts. The meals will be prepared and packed by local chefs and handed out by volunteers from a refrigerated trailer loaned by Vectis Refrigeration, ready to reheat in an oven or microwave.
While there is good news about vaccinations and falling infection rates, this crisis is definitively not over for those working on the frontline. They have been working flat out for months, with more hospital admissions and COVID deaths, to come. Then, when the pandemic is finally over, they will face a new set of problems such as unprecedented waiting lists and the impact of untreated conditions, with no prospect of a holiday or break any time soon.
Andrew said:
“Support the Frontline is not simply about providing a delicious meal to hard-pressed NHS staff, it’s also a heartfelt sign of support and thanks from the Island community. Every single Islander has been affected by the pandemic, for many of us it has meant self-isolation at home, but for hospital staff it has been the hardest time of their working lives.
“We have been amazed by the response to the idea. People really want to say ‘thank you’ to those who have worked so hard over the last year, looking after us, our friends and loved ones.
Robin added:
“Every single person we have approached has reacted positively, and things are now in place to start handing out meals this evening.
“This is a real local initiative. St Mary’s staff have given unstinting support to our community, now it’s time for us to show how much we appreciate them. After all, It is in all our interests to do everything we can to support the people and hospital on which we all rely.
“We are asking all Island businesses, residents and regular Island visitors to please help us over the next crucial few weeks, by giving as generously as you can. We can ensure that every pound we receive, will go directly to the frontline. Even with the fantastic voluntary support of so many Islanders and Island establishments, there are substantial financial costs associated with such a large initiative.”
The campaign is now raising the funds needed to purchase ingredients and packaging for the local chefs and kitchens who are donating their time, facilities, and inspiration. You can find out more about the campaign and make a donation at www.supportthefrontline.info.
Seems a really good thing to do, practical help. Those getting their £500 extra in tax credits could donate that, as most of them are not working like the NHS front line staff are, or if they do work often only a few scant hours to be ‘able’ to then claim, and as most places are closed, they don’t need this extra money as their costs have gone down, not up.
Would be nice if such gave up this money to this direct action practical help fund.
Would be nice if people would just look at the positives, rather than somehow relate it to the benefits system that is completely unrelated to this article. Support the Frontline should cease all its activities to feed the hard working NHS staff, Kathy has a plan to make the poorest and the most economically vulnerable elements of society feed the NHS workers.