‘A real thank you’: New campaign offers lasting way to support NHS teams
A new campaign sharing how patients and families can say 'A real thank you' to the healthcare teams who cared for them has been launched by Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust’s charity, i care.
At the heart of the campaign is a moving new film featuring sisters Amber and Aletha, who share how community healthcare teams helped their mum, Barbara Timlett, remain at home during the final weeks of her life.
Amber said: "The Acute Response Team quickly provided us with a hospital bed downstairs, making sure mum's comfort and dignity were prioritised. Their expertise, along with the community nurses, in managing her condition and offering invaluable advice at critical moments became a lifeline for us. They helped us to focus on being together as a family."
With support from KCHFT's Acute Response Team and community nursing teams, Barbara received compassionate care in familiar surroundings, close to those she loved.
Katie Latham, Community Nurse at KCHFT, said: "We try to empower families to feel able to look after their loved ones at home, knowing we're available if they need us. We can provide the right medications and advice at the right time, while giving families privacy, dignity and peace."
Katie added: "We're often asked by patients, families and carers if there's a way to say a real thank you to the teams who supported them. Through i care, people can donate to the services that made a difference to them or a loved one, helping us continue to support patients and colleagues."
The ‘A real thank you’ campaign raises awareness of the ways people can support i care, including making a donation, leaving a legacy gift or remembering the charity in their will. Donations can also be directed to a specific team's staff health and wellbeing fund, ensuring support reaches the service closest to their hearts.
Amber said: "Mum's KCHFT teams gave us exactly the right level of support, allowing us to take a step back and just be Barbara's daughters again."
Watch Amber and Aletha's story.
Find out more about KCHFT’s ‘A real thank you’ campaign and ways to support i care.
