De Vere, a collection of historic mansion house estates and distinctive contemporary hotels, has donated £560,000 to NHS Charities Together to help NHS staff, volunteers, and patients at the centre of the COVID-19 pandemic.
De Vere’s donation will help support NHS staff, volunteers and patients in key areas including welfare and wellbeing, assistance for patients leaving hospital, and long-term mental health support for NHS workers.
Tony Troy, CEO said: “In recognition of their excellent work, dedication, and commitment during such a challenging time, we’re delighted to give something back to the NHS. We are incredibly proud to be able donate over half a million pounds to such a worthwhile cause and continue to help in the fight against COVID-19.”
Alan Corlett, chief commercial officer, commented: “We are always looking for ways to support our local communities and charities close to our heart. We are honoured to be able to make this significant donation to NHS Charities Together to say thank you to those who have looked after us and kept us safe throughout the pandemic.”
Ellie Orton OBE, CEO of NHS Charities Together, said: “NHS staff have delivered incredible care under the most impossible circumstances over the last 18 months, and we continue to be in awe of their dedication. They have gone above and beyond for their patients, not just acting as healthcare professionals but in some cases family to those isolated from loved ones during the pandemic. They have often been the only person there to say goodbye at the end – taking off their gloves to hold the hands of dying patients, so they might feel skin to skin contact before passing away.
“This has taken a huge toll, and many staff have experienced genuine trauma. We are so proud to be able to provide them with the mental health support they so richly deserve and, together, support the long-term recovery of the NHS.”
Kate Lynes is a nurse in Critical Care at Liverpool University Hospitals and is one of the staff members who benefitted from the staff psychology service funded by NHS Charities Together. Throughout the pandemic the 25-year-old worked in both the Ventilation Inpatient Centre and Critical Care, caring for COVID-19 patients. Kate said: “It’s been a really challenging and often upsetting time for staff. In this job you’re always caring for other people, but I think it’s really important that you take time to care for yourself. When I come into work, I am a nurse and sometimes forget I am still Kate with a family at home. If you need support, I’d encourage you to take that step and ask for it.”
