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The John Lewis Partnership has announced its partnership with the British Medical Association (BMA) to provide frontline NHS workers with care packages to keep them “refuelled and refreshed” as they continue facing extreme pressure caring for patients in UK hospitals.
Based on advice from the BMA, these supplies will be a combination of “much-needed” non-clinical essentials, including; toiletries, such as deodorant, socks, shaving foam, hand cream and lip balm; as well as snack food, tea and coffee.
The boxes also contain a wellbeing leaflet with information about a 24/7 counselling service and guidance from the BMA on a range of issues.
Already nearly 500 boxes have been sent to acute hospital trusts in the UK to safely distribute to high intensity clinical areas such as Critical Care and Intensive Care units. This will ensure healthcare staff working long hours are able to receive the essentials they need.
In total, the group said they will have delivered almost 2,000 boxes of essentials to over 500 Hospital Trust locations during the pandemic. This has included care packages for Mental Health Trusts.
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chair of council, British Medical Association, said: “When so many healthcare staff have put in hour after hour over such a prolonged period and are continuing to do so – looking after so many very sick patients, a deed such as this, to show how much they are appreciated, will certainly bring a little light relief.
“We’re delighted to work with the John Lewis Partnership to provide these care boxes to so many frontline staff over the coming days. Whilst we know that many staff are facing huge challenges, we hope these boxes will bring a few smiles and some comfort to as many staff as possible during these incredibly difficult times.”
John Lewis and Waitrose claimed they will also continue to support the vulnerable during the pandemic and beyond. The 2020 ‘Give A Little Love’ campaign raised over £3m for charities Home-Start and FareShare, aiming to support 100,000 families in need.
Last week, the partnership “pledged” to extend its support, pooling the expertise and passion of Partners, resources, networks and time to meet the specific needs of the most vulnerable in society, backed with a further donation of £2m.
Marija Rompani, partner and director, sustainability and ethics, John Lewis Partnership, said: “We are extremely grateful for the courage and humanity of everyone in the NHS working tirelessly to fight this virus – from intensive care to mental health.
“We are exceptionally lucky to have an amazing health service open to all and this is a small token to show our thanks again for their relentless hard work.”
