Sheffield nurse launches fundraiser to help hospitals pay for coronavirus 'fight'

Liam Watters, works at Northern General in the acute interventional cardiology unit, and will soon to be moving into work in COVID-19 intensive care support as more patients are brought in.

Working on the front line in the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic, he has seen how much the hospital needs the help of the public, and has launched the fundraiser to help to provide that.

Liam said: “I want to start a new national initiative on social media. Hospitals all over the country are about to take on an unprecedented fight for their local community.

“Wouldn’t it be fantastic if everyone that lives within the catchment area of their local hospital gives something back, no matter how small. Maybe if we start this here in Sheffield, the rest of the country will follow suit.

“More folk than ever are at home turning to social media. I want to use this as a platform to support the invaluable effort being made by everyone involved.

“The last few months has highlighted what the NHS means to all those who have ever used it or may need to use it.

“If everyone gives just £1 it’s a quid towards Protective equipment for staff, towards vital medications, towards making the experience better for patients and families.”

Money raised by the fundraiser will contribute towards the Sheffield Hospitals Charity, which supports staff and patients and helps the hospitals get the equipment they need.

At the moment all money raised is going directly towards helping hospitals in Sheffield battle coronavirus.

The money will contribute to the procurement of PPE, testing kits, and investment in new equipment to increase the the capacity and capability of the hospitals.

Liam added: “It is a time where people are on social media more than ever. Let’s use that time for something good which will benefit you, your family, your friends and your local hospital and its staff.”

You can donate to Liam’s fundraiser on the JustGiving page here.