A joint letter from the leaders of the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust asking residents and local businesses to support NHS staff at this crucial time.
The COVID-19 situation in London is the most serious it has ever been. Our NHS services are now close to breaking point, as the current surge in cases threatens to overwhelm London hospitals in a matter of days.
While everyone is already doing their bit to protect the NHS by staying at home, we need to support the incredible efforts of our local NHS workers, which is why we are launching Project Hope, a joint initiative between the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, to support the wellbeing of our NHS staff and patients with your help.
How Project Hope works
Here at the Council, we want to do our best to support our incredible colleagues at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, and are working together to provide extra staff and services to our local hospitals, to relieve pressure on their overstretched staff. As well as assisting with some practical tasks, we are looking at other ways to relieve stress and make sure tired staff know they are appreciated.
Doing your bit for Project Hope
Queen Elizabeth Hospital is in the heart of our community. Many of our residents work there, many of us have been treated there and now, more than ever before, we need to come together as a community and support the whole hospital team.
We’re asking local businesses and individuals to donate the following items and services to staff who are working long hours, under intense physical and emotionally demanding circumstances, with many unable to go home because they need to protect their own family and friends from catching the virus.
- Bottles of water
- Take away cups for hot drinks
- Milk sachets or carton of Long life Milk
- Lip Palm
- Hand cream
If you would like to do your bit for Project Hope, please get in touch with us to discuss details and arrange drop off of items using the options below.
Telephone: 0800 470 4831
Email: projecthope@cact.org.uk
Whilst we know that many people have already been donating, we need to ensure this is coordinated and are now asking everyone, please do not drop items at hospitals directly. We will be coordinating the effort using Royal Greenwich council buildings.
Over the past few months, we have been absolutely bowled over by the generosity and positive energy from our residents and local businesses. Once again, we know we will see each other through this dark time and with your support the NHS will triumph over this awful situation.
Thank you.
Cllr Danny Thorpe, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Ben Travis, Chief Executive of the Greenwich and Lewisham NHS Trust