Further local volunteers needed to support vulnerable and self-isolating
Members of Parliament and the Dudley NHS Foundation Trust have been meeting weekly remotely as part of a tight framework that is coordinating the COVID-19 response. The Nightingale Hospital at the NEC is due to open this Friday on 10th April providing 4000 more hospital beds for the West Midlands to help those who fall ill with COVID-19 during the crisis.
Dudley North MP Marco Longhi praises the efforts of all the NHS and other key workers at this time of national crisis and calls on everyone to volunteer where they are able to help the most vulnerable members of our community, building on an already fantastic response.
The local community have demonstrated many times over that the hospital is at the heart of the community. The Dudley NHS Trust has seen a steady stream of support from individuals and families keen to do their part and give back to the community, not to mention the many local businesses who have donated a variety of items including an amazing quantity of food. Some of the finest local curry houses have sent in hundreds of portions. Local footballer, Danny Bath donated 300 food parcels for our wonderful NHS staff. The distribution has been co-ordinated by the Communications and Staff Engagement Team to ensure that all teams are included. This is in addition to the three quarters of a million people who have signed up across the country to the NHS volunteers service.
Beyond the NHS, Dudley CVS are also calling for volunteers to help local people with shopping trips, collecting medicines and other support, particularly in Netherton, Dudley, Brierley Hill and Kingswinford.
Marco Longhi, Member of Parliament for Dudley North, said:
“The community spirit shown by good black country folk is truly heart-warming and makes me incredibly proud to represent this area.
If you are well, I would encourage you to sign up to the Good Sam NHS Volunteer Responders to help deliver medication and food to the shielded, and to chat on the phone to those isolating alone.
There are lots of ways to give back to the community, whether through material and financial donations or volunteering your time. Your country and your community needs you now more than ever to get through this difficult time”
