In May 2020, we launched a campaign aiming to supply special care packs to our frontline staff, who were giving round-the-clock care to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.  As part of this, we called on organisations, businesses and the public across our region to help.  

It was all hands on deck during those challenging times and Oxford Health Charity wanted to ensure that our hard-pressed teams had all the essentials they needed while at work, to keep morale and energy levels high and to demonstrate just how much everyone appreciates what they do.

Initiated by Oxford Health Charity – the charitable arm of the NHS Foundation Trust – the campaign aimed to set up 100 care hubs which would each have hampers filled with non-perishable items that our teams in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Wiltshire and beyond, could make use of.

Julie Pink, Head of Charity & Involvement, explained at the time:

“It’s crucial during these times that our staff have everything at their disposal. That’s why these care packages will give them the extra boost to get them through their day or night shift – from teas and coffee to energy bars, soups and more. Over the coming weeks our hubs will support staff breaks, reminding our caring teams to stay hydrated and look after themselves.”

Although the effects of the pandemic have now eased, we are still actively supporting all of our Oxford Health staff and so, if businesses, organisations and individuals would like to help and can provide an extra treat for staff care packages, please get in touch be emailing: [email protected].

Alternatively, if you can’t donate items, you can make a difference by donating via our charity website. Contributions will be put towards purchasing key items for our 100 teams.

Back in 2020, Julie added:

“We must stand by our staff at this time and help them to deliver the care we all need. Please help us to reward our heroes, they deserve it.”

This comment remains as true now, as it did during the height of the pandemic.

Our dedicated Oxford Health teams run physical and mental health services at 150 locations from our community hospitals in Witney, Abingdon, Bicester, Didcot, Wallingford and Henley, as well as via: district nursing teams; out of hours services; and specialist teams, such as in stroke wards, minor injuries units and mental health settings for children, teenagers, adults and older people in three counties.

To find out more about the packs, those who have donated and the impact they are having, follow the Oxford Health Cares Thank You Blog.