Caring through COVID-19
Qu’ran cube
As well as support from our Chaplaincy team, Muslim inpatients at Bradford Royal Infirmary with COVID-19 received a Qu’ran cube to support their spiritual needs.
Chaplain Ismail Syed said: “The Qu’ran Cube, consisting of the entire printed version of the Holy Qu’ran, has played a significant and instrumental role as a source of comfort for Muslim patients during the pandemic.
“These resources were provided by members of the Muslim community in order to ensure that Muslim patients, in their moments of trial and tribulation, and also in the moment of loneliness, were able to resonate with the Qu’ran cube.”
Church of England prayer cards and holding cross
Church of England prayer cards have been given to patients and their families throughout the pandemic.
Church of England Chaplain, Rev. Christopher Barnes, said: “One of the helpful things we have been able to do is to take around prayer cards and a holding cross from the Church of England.
“They have reminded people of their Christian faith and brought such hope. In particular, the holding cross has been a really wonderful gift to give to people at end of life, and this brings comfort to the patients, their families, and even to staff.”
PPE (Personal, Protective, Equipment)
The Trust set up a PPE Hub at the start of the COVID-19 crisis to ensure we could get national supplies of personal, protective equipment to all wards and staff that need it at the right time.
Sue Franklin, Associate Chief Nurse, said: “We deliver to the big areas like A&E, ICU, Ward 29 and Ward 31 (COVID-19 wards) twice a day.
“We’ve got staff who have been redeployed into the hub, myself including in that, and have worked hard throughout the pandemic to support our colleagues and make them feel safe while they are delivering care to our patients.”
Bradford Hospitals’ Charity
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the launch of a high-profile appeal by Bradford Hospitals’ Charity.
Head of Fundraising, Hayley Collis, said: “The charity launched its own fundraising appeal in March 2020, and our community were tremendously generous in their support.
“They switched the events that we had to cancel to virtual fundraising. They donated, they brought in gifts in kind, and they truly, truly supported our NHS workers at a very difficult time. Swing forward a whole year and we’ve raised a magnificent £390,000 which has supported our staff at the very time they need it. Huge thanks to the community for supporting us.”
Painted portraits
The dedication and bravery of Trust staff has been celebrated by acclaimed artists who have taken part in the nationwide Portraits for NHS Heroes scheme.
Diabetes Specialist Nurse, Christine Kelly, said: “This painting is one of many thousands, all telling a different tale, some with full PPE, partial PPE, and some, like mine, simply the face behind the mask.
“They all tell the story of the difficulties NHS employees have face during the COVID pandemic. When looking at this painting, it celebrates our achievements at this difficult time.”
Relatives’ Telephone Information Line
Restrictions on visiting inpatients during the pandemic saw a new way for loved ones to keep in touch, thanks to the launch of a dedicated relatives’ phone line which has been available seven days a week.
Relatives’ Line Volunteer, Angela Ratcliffe, said: “The relatives’ line has meant that we have been able to regularly update family members on the progress of their loved ones. And, in turn, this has taken the pressure off the nurses on our wards. All of us on the relatives’ line have been redeployed to the service.
“Throughout the past year we have had to deal with some very sad situations, but we are all extremely proud of the role we have taken during our COVID response.”