Prince William thanks frontline NHS workers during a video call with staff at Homerton University Hospital – which this week saw its highest number of Covid admissions yet
- Duke of Cambridge spoke to Homerton University Hospital staff on Thursday
- Staff on call spoke about the psychological impact of dealing with the pandemic
- William heard from staff about significant challenges they are currently facing
Prince William has paid tribute to NHS staff working on the Covid frontline and thanked them for their continued efforts during a particularly challenging time.
The Duke of Cambridge, 38, spoke to staff from Homerton University Hospital via video call on January 7 to hear more about their experiences responding to the pandemic in recent weeks.
In the past week, Homerton University Hospital has seen their highest number of admissions since the pandemic began, with over 200 Covid patients currently being cared for and staff being moved to new roles within the hospital to cope with the ongoing pressure on frontline staff.
During the call, William heard from staff about the significant challenges that they are currently facing, and how this time compares to their experiences during previous spikes in transmission rates.
He told staff: ‘You’re all in my thoughts and Catherine and I, and all of the children, talk about all of you guys every day.
‘We’re making sure the children understand the sacrifices that all of you are making.’
Staff on the call spoke about the psychological impact of dealing with the pandemic over the past year, and some of the measures which have been put in place at the hospital to support staff wellbeing.
They told the Duke about the resources and support available to them, including the creation of a ‘Wobble Room’ in the hospital for staff to relax, which was set up using charitable funds from NHS Charities Together.
Funds from the organisation have also paid for breakfast boxes sent to hospital and community staff, and a new break out room for A&E staff.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge became joint Patrons of NHS Charities Together in December 2020.
Prince William has paid tribute to NHS staff working on the Covid frontline and thanked them for their continued efforts during a particularly challenging time. Pictured: the Duke chatting to Chief Nurse Catherine Pelley, Alesia Parker, a Matron in Acute Services, Occupational Therapist Nazia Ahmad, Intensive Care Sister Debbie Bedassie, Dr Carlo Prina, a consultant physician and Clinical Lead for Acute Ambulatory Care, and Wayne Sexton, Head of Commercial Services
Staff who joined the call included Chief Nurse Catherine Pelley, Alesia Parker, a Matron in Acute Services, Occupational Therapist Nazia Ahmad, Intensive Care Sister Debbie Bedassie, Dr Carlo Prina, a consultant physician and Clinical Lead for Acute Ambulatory Care, and Wayne Sexton, Head of Commercial Services.
Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust provides general health services at hospital and in the community across 75 sites in the City of London and the London borough of Hackney.
In addition to Homerton University Hospital, the Trust manages services at St Leonard’s Hospital, Shoreditch and Mary Seacole Nursing Home.
The Trust has embraced the need for staff psychological support throughout all stages of the pandemic.