More than 1500 messages delivered to patients at Salisbury District Hospital

Scheme helps loved ones stay connected during pandemic

Author: Henrietta CreaseyPublished 28th Apr 2021
Last updated 28th Apr 2021

Having a loved one in hospital can be worrying at the best of times, especially when Covid 19 has made visiting impossible at times.

Thanks to a special scheme relatives and friends have been able to stay in touch.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

A dedicated email address enables them to send a personal message which is then printed onto photo cards and delivered to patients in the ward.

In a touching gesure the cards have been taken by hospital staff.

It's funded by one of the hospital's charities, the League of Friends.

Katrina Glaister, Head of Patient Experience, said:

"With some visitor restrictions still in place we understand how difficult it is to have a loved one in hospital who is unwell. Being able to deliver a card to a patient with a special, personal message from a friend or relative is a little thing we can do to help people stay connected and bring a smile to a patient's face. It's been a real privilege to be able to do this."

David Stratton, Chairman of the League of Friends, said:

"We are pleased to be able to use the generous donations we receive from the community to help fund this initiative and help enable loved ones to keep in touch".

GET INVOLVED

To send a message to a loved one, families and friends can email sft.messagetoalovedone@nhs.net with their message.

From 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday - Friday messages can also be telephoned through to the hospital's PALS team on 01722 429044.

Every day at 2pm messages received are printed and are delivered to the wards in the afternoon

Salisbury District Hospital recently lifted visitor restrictions as a result of falling covid cases, however there are still some restrictions in place and this is under constant review.

The latest visitor information is available on the hospital's website.

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