The Forever Friends Appeal is continuing to invite residents across Bath to help raise funds to ensure patients at the RUH continue to receive the best treatment and care this festive season and beyond.
Baz Harding-Clark in the casting room at the RUH | Photo courtesy of the RUH
The hospital charity hopes to raise funds to support patients and staff over Christmas, especially for those who will be too unwell to return home.
Rhyannon Boyd, Head of Fundraising said: “This year has been tough on all of us, especially our patients and staff. The pandemic has shown us just how important our NHS means to us and our services will still be needed at Christmas.
“We are proud of all of our staff. They are truly inspiring people and every day in December we are introducing a staff member on our website and social media channels.
“We hope people will feel reassured and recognise some of their faces who provide care for patients every day.
“Along with the staff photos we will share their stories. You’ll read about the nurses who provide care around the clock, the surgeons who save lives, the therapists who help get us back on our feet, the cleaners who keep our hospital clean and the other dedicated staff who keep our hospital going.
“By making a donation to our RUH Christmas Appeal you will help us make this Christmas as special as it can be for our patients and staff.”
Niki Hartley, RUH Ward Manager | Photo courtesy of the RUH
Niki Hartley, one of the Senior Sisters who features in the charity’s Christmas Appeal added: “What makes me prouder than anything is how I see my staff go above and beyond every day.
“One example was when we had a homeless man on the ward – and one of the staff took his clothes home to wash and iron them for him. That might not seem huge, but to that patient it meant the world. That just shows how much they care.
“My team work so hard. There is no hesitation to provide cover when another staff member is sick, because they know our patients still need to be cared for and we will all be working together on Christmas day.”
Baz Harding-Clark, Orthopaedic Practitioner and Senior Health Care Assistant in the Emergency Department (ED) said: “I didn’t grow up wanting to go into nursing, but I’ve been doing it for 17 years! It’s the right place for me. I really love working in ED – nothing puts me off. The adrenaline kicks in every time.
“Things are now a bit different with Covid. Before I can help a patient, I have to check that I have the right PPE, as well as everyone around me does. I love the management aspect of the job.
“For example, if a really poorly person is brought into the resuscitation unit, I’m immediately assessing what needs to be done.”
To show your support for the RUH, the patients and staff this Christmas, you can do so in one of three ways: make a donation online, sponsor a staff Christmas hamper or take part in our ‘Keep it Cosy’ fundraising day on Wednesday 16th December.
Keep it Cosy has been designed for schools, groups and businesses. There are three cosy-themed virtual events to choose from, and the idea is to have some fun with family and friends while staying safe.
For a free Keep it Cosy fundraising pack and to make an online donation, visit www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk.
