Local Trust CEO Praises 'Professionalism and Compassion' of NHS Staff
As fund is launched to support hospital staff coping with extraordinary demands
Professor Tim Orchard, pictured above, visited one of the wards for patients who have tested positive for the virus.
Dressed in protective clothing, he toured the wards talking to staff and patients.
He praised staff for their dedication and patients who are accepting the challenging conditions as the NHS faces the pressure of coping with the pandemic.
Professor Orchard tweeted @imperialNHS_CEO: " As I’ve walked round hospitals this week I’ve been so impressed with the professionalism and compassion of all our Imperial people despite unprecedented and anxious times.
" I visited some of our Covid positive areas with @ImperialNHS_DOP this evening. I was massively impressed by the stoicism of our staff, and their dedication to the care of our patients, and by the patients’ acceptance of such difficult circumstances @ImperialNHS @Imperialpeople."
The trust's hospitals are Charing Cross in Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith and Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea in Du Cane Road in White City, St Mary's in Paddington and Western Eye Hospital in Marylebone Road.
His comments came as the Imperial Health Charity launched an appeal to help fund welfare packs for NHS staff who may be finding it hard to find essentials in the shops or simply be too exhausted after a long shift.
The fund will also help vulnerable patients including those who have had to travel to London for specialist treatment.
People can donate to the fund here.
The appeal has already raised nearly £25,000 since launching last Friday.
The charity explains on the fundraising page: "At this difficult time for us all, we’re determined to do everything we can to support the remarkable hospital staff leading the fight on the front line while also helping vulnerable patients and their families.
“With your support, we’ll provide emergency funds to help hospital staff cope with the extraordinary demands of fighting the virus. At the same time, we’ll come to the aid of those vulnerable patients who face sudden and unexpected financial difficulties as a result of their hospital stay."
Julia Gregory - Local Democracy Reporter
March 26, 2020