News / NHS
Bristol nurses launch campaign to connect families with their loved ones
Intensive care nurses at the BRI have launched a new campaign to provide their patients, and their patients’ loved ones, an additional offering of their care and compassion.
The Heart to Heart campaign hopes to bring connection between patients and their family during the coronavirus pandemic.
“We have launched the ‘Heart to Heart’ campaign at University Hospitals Bristol & Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW), as we felt it was a fitting way to express an extension of our care and empathy for patients and families who are unable to be together during these unprecedented times,” says Tahlia Williamson, an intensive care unit nurse at the BRI.
is needed now More than ever
“One heart will remain here with our patients to hold, and the other sent home to a partner, family member or friend. While the concept is simple, we hope it brings comfort to families and patients during these challenging times.
“During all phone and online conversations, both hearts can be held as a way of connecting our patients with their loved ones.”
To support the campaign, members of the public can post their personalised hearts to the intensive care unit at the the hospital. Hearts must be no bigger than the size of an adult palm, and should be sent with a date of when they were made for infection control purposes.
“In addition to the hearts, we are also presenting patients and their families with a specially written poem, titled Thread,” says Ellie Tizzard, another nurse on the intensive care unit.
“This poem has been written specially by UHBW’s poet in residence, Beth Calverley. Her talents have no end, and despite the fact she cannot be here with us in person to write her poems first-hand, she has embodied everything we as staff are feeling for our patients and their loved ones.”
More than 1000 hearts have been donated in the first week of the campaign, as well as 500 free copies of Beth’s poem from Doveton Press. In response, UBHW will be rolling out the campaign to all of its sites across the Bristol area.
“These are challenging times for the NHS and everyone across the world affected by the coronavirus,” Ellie adds.
“But, regardless of these circumstances we are always dedicated to giving our patients and their families the love and support they need.
To support the campaign, post your personalised hearts to E. Tizzard and T. Williamson, A600 General Intensive Care Unit, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS2 8HW
All photos: UBHW
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