Hospital charity donates over £50,000 to staff and patients
A Stockton NHS charity has allocated fundraising money to enhance staff and patient experience.
North Tees and Hartlepool Together, the official charity for North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, has given over £50,000 back to staff and patients.
Staff were encouraged to put in applications for the money, detailing how the funds would improve wellbeing across the hospital.
Applications ranged from sensory development equipment to stroke observation devices, all dedicated to innovating patient experience.
Suzi Campbell, fundraising coordinator, said: “Our charity is dedicated to equipping and supporting staff to deliver the highest quality care to the patients and communities we serve.
“This money is an example of how we can achieve our charity ambitions and it is fantastic to see it helping staff and making a real impact in their areas.
“Of course, this couldn’t have happened without the generosity of our fundraisers. It is thanks to their efforts that we are able to offer this opportunity.”
Fundraising efforts that contributed to this included corporate and general donations and events such as Great North Run and Yorkshire Three Peaks.
The children’s emergency department were one of the areas benefiting from the funding; applying to purchase ten iPads for children attending appointments.
The iPads will feature a range of interactive and educational games, all aiming to alleviate the stress of medical operations and treatments.
Emma Chan, paediatric staff nurse, said: “There are times when procedures such as venepuncture and cannulation cause a lot of anxiety to the children who visit our department.
“The iPad will provide a positive distraction for children undergoing treatment, allowing them to receive the medication and treatment they require without it being too traumatic an experience.
“The kindness of fundraisers has made this possible. Now the thousands of children that we treat will be able to find a moment of calm in what can be worrying situations.”
North Tees and Hartlepool Together is currently looking for fundraisers to take part in its 2023 Great North Run and Great North Swim events.
Fundraisers can donate to either specific wards, units or services, personalising their efforts to the hospital sites. To register or for more information, email nth-tr.charity@nhs.net.