MEMBERS of the public are being asked once again to support an appeal to help NHS hospital staff through the pressures of the pandemic in Dudley.

The charity supporting The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust says staff are facing the same physical and emotional challenges as back at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, due to a surge in cases caused by the Omicron variant.

A donation of £5 could help to fund a hot meal for a frontline staff member unable to leave the ward on a 12-hour shift, £15 could fund a wellness pack for extremely stretched staff members, particularly those in financial hardship, £50 could help to provide emotional support for a nurse at the end of a gruelling shift; and £10,000 to £20,000 could refurbish a staff room into a wellbeing space where staff can relax, refuel and recharge as they spend some much-needed time away from clinical areas.

Donations could also help to support staff celebration events throughout the year.

Trust chief executive Diane Wake said: “As successful as the vaccination programme has been, the new year has begun with our staff facing immense pressures as a result of increasing cases of the virus amongst the public and our frontline staff themselves.

“Yet they are facing up to this renewed challenge with inspiring levels of resilience, bravery and professionalism. Always putting patients care first, often ahead of taking care of themselves.”

Nithee Kotecha, fundraising and community development lead, added: “Our community stepped up magnificently last year, now we need their support again to help us look after the physical and emotional wellbeing of staff throughout this difficult time, as they continue to work hard to serve our communities.”

To donate, search Dudley Group Covid Crisis Appeal 2022 on the JustGiving website.

Gifts of items such as toiletries are also welcome, the trust said.

To donate a gift contact the charity team at dgft.fundraising@nhs.net or 01384 456111 (ext 3403).

People are also urged to contact the charity team before donating food as there are certain regulations which must be adhered to and food donations can only be accepted from providers with a food hygiene rating of three or more.