THE director of operations for Whiston Hospital has praised the “phenomenal” support show by the public during Thursday night’s ‘Clap for our Carers’ event.
People across the country stood united at on their doorsteps, balconies or by their windows at 8pm last night to clap and cheer in support of the brave NHS staff caring for us during the coronavirus pandemic.
Rob Cooper, director of operations at St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Whiston, St Helens and Newton hospitals, said staff have been overwhelmed by the huge levels of support.
The former intensive care and A&E nurse said the show of support has given staff the boost they need, admitting he “never imagined we would ever witness or have to live through something like this”.
“It was just absolutely phenomenal,” Mr Cooper said. “All of our street was out.
“We’ve got a WhatsApp group with all the chief officers around the country so they were posting videos from their areas.
“The videos coming from our organisation from doctors and other people has been massive. There’s been loads, it’s unbelievable.
“The thing about this is as well is that it’s not just about acute hospitals, it’s about our community colleagues keeping people safe and our GP colleagues doing all they can to do this themselves.
“When you look at social media, it isn’t just about us, acute hospitals, it’s the entire system.”
Last night’s incredible show of unity came after more than half a million volunteers signed up in just over 24 hours to help the NHS cope with the coronavirus outbreak.
Mr Cooper said the support from former staff members has been “overwhelming” and said staff from across the trust are also stepping up to do everything they can.
“People are coming forward wanting to help,” Mr Cooper said.
“It’s not just nurses and doctors, it’s support staff, catering staff. Everyone is doing their utmost.
“There’s also a number of retired staff in the last few weeks coming forward, people who no longer work for the NHS wanting to come back.
“Thousands of people putting themselves forward to volunteer. We’re going to get them.
“The support has just been unbelievable.”
Mr Cooper also thanked the St Helens Star for launching a fundraising campaign to raise vital funds for the Whiston and St Helens Hospitals’ Charity.
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