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North East Lincolnshire’s business community raises the flag for NHS key workers on the front line

9:59 am, Friday, 11th December 2020 - 3 years ago

General

Retailers and businesses in North East Lincolnshire have joined forces to show support for NHS and social care key workers in the borough.

As the area remains in the very high level of Covid restrictions, the business community has teamed with North East Lincolnshire Council to urge the public to break the chain, stop the spread and adhere to hands, face and space guidance, particularly when the local restrictions are lifted for the Christmas period.  

In a new campaign, business owners across popular shopping areas, Sea View St and in Grimsby, collaborated to convey key updates from some of the dedicated nurses at Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital (High Dependency, Respiratory wards and Midwifery), GP Practices and care homes across the area.

Retailers took to the camera, sharing insights from the front-line workers, for a public film, which will go out via the business community’s, Council and CCG’s social media platforms.

Councillor John Fenty, Cabinet member for business, commented: “Whilst retailers aim to welcome shoppers back to the high street safely, in the run up to Christmas, we cannot forget that patient admissions are still a significant cause for concern.

“Community efforts to break the chain, stop the spread and adhere to government guidance, hands, face and space needs to be a collective effort. Retailers are doing a great job to make key safety measures are in place. Together, we’re urging the public for support to follow the guidelines, particularly in the run up to, and throughout the Christmas period.”

Rosemary Hodgson, Assistant Manager of the High Dependency Unit at the Hospital said: “Working throughout Covid has been challenging and we’re urging the public to help. On the High Dependency Unit, we are a red ward, which means we look after Covid-positive patients. It’s tough on our patients and their families as visiting is restricted but we’ve been doing all we can to keep people in touch via video calls. We’ve seen some truly heart-breaking cases, which have affected us all. It’s one thing looking after a Covid patient but to look after them in critical care is so challenging for staff both physically and emotionally. Please help to break the chain and stop the spread.”

Jenny Harrison, Specialist Respiratory Nurse at the Hospital commented: “By not following the guidance, you’re risking infecting someone for who Covid may be life threatening. Not only that, but please think of the potential knock-on effect to hospital staff who have to self-isolate because they or someone they live with has tested positive.”

“My usual role at the hospital has now changed to protect my patients with long term respiratory problems, many of which are on home oxygen/ ventilators and deemed as very vulnerable. I’m needed on the wards to help with staffing levels and to use my skills in caring for Covid patients requiring respiratory support. Working in full PPE is very uncomfortable and many staff are struggling both physically and mentally.  The sooner we abide by the government guidelines, the sooner numbers will start to decline and further deaths will be prevented. Please play your part to help us break the chain and stop the spread.”

Understanding the essential need for wellbeing across other departments, nurses on the midwifery ward have worked to overcome challenges faced to support new mums, as they are faced with giving birth without birthing partners.

Vicki Booth, Midwife at the Hospital added: “We know that the past few months have been tough on new mums with the national visiting restrictions, but they are in place for you and your baby’s safety. We have to reduce the number of people on site to slow the spread but we have recently introduced a bookable appointments system for birthing partners as we know how important it is for mum’s wellbeing to have someone with her.”

Dr Ekta Elston, GP and Medical Director at NHS North East Lincolnshire CCG said, “We are seeing first-hand, the effects of Covid cases in North East Lincolnshire. We have seen the pressured intensive care wards and the exhausted, shell-shocked health and social care staff. We are urging the public to help break the chain, stop the spread and adhere to hands, face and space.”

Melina Coggan, Registered Manager at Sussex House Care Home expressed, “All care home staff are working extremely hard through a very challenging and difficult time. They are taking care of residents and really need the public to play their part and follow the rules, adhering to hands, face, space so that one day soon, residents can have regular visits with their family and loved ones. We are asking for help to reduce the high risk of infection to the vulnerable people in our community.”

Meanwhile, one of the retailers taking part in the scheme, Kate Douglas, Business Owner at Dock Beers said: “Although we are lucky to be operating via Click and Collect and offer our range of merchandise, we’re really feeling the effects of lockdown and subsequent tier 3 restrictions. On behalf of the sector, we’re asking the public to please help do their bit and to really get behind the NHS who haven’t stopped and who will be continuing to support us all this Christmas time, when restrictions are relaxed.”

ENDS

Campaign Videos:

Business Community Videos:

NHS & Key Worker Videos:

Media Enquiries

Fiona Chapman
COVID Communications Officer
North East Lincolnshire Council
[email protected]

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