A special thank you to children and families supporting NGH staff

During the past three weeks, 2,000 letters have been sent to thank children for supporting their loved ones at home during this difficult time with a personalised note and fun-filled NGH activity booklet.

Dr Sonia Swart, Chief Executive at Northampton General Hospital has sent personalised letters and activity booklets to children and family members of NGH staff.

In the letter, Dr Swart thanks the children for being part of the NGH family, ‘I am lucky enough to work with lots of amazing people every day who help our patients get better… I want you to know that everyone here thinks you are very special. That’s because you are lucky enough to have your own NGH hero; someone who loves you very much’.

Charlie, Macmillan Acute Oncology CNS said “Libby was so excited when she received her letter and activity book. She felt ever so proud and special when her daddy read out the extra special note about how brave and caring she has been. She took it into school today to show all her teachers and friends. Such a simple but thoughtful gesture can make all the difference in times like these. Thank you Team NGH”.

Natalie, HCA on Paddington ward also added “Phoebe & Axel were so excited to receive a letter addressed to them in the post yesterday and were absolutely over the moon when they opened it up; Phoebe had a few happy tears as she read it out!”

Dr Sonia Swart explained why she felt writing to children was so important: “We know how hard our staff have been working, however it’s important to remember that there’s a whole other team supporting our staff at home. We hope the letters and activity books will go a small way to show our appreciation to them for the support they have given to our team at NGH”.

As well as a letter, children received one of two activity booklets created by the communications team. Children under the age of ten received an activity booklet including colouring in pages, a ward word search, and a fun fact sheet for their chosen NGH hero. The older activity booklet had puzzles, career information, and tips on taking a break and instructions on how to make an origami crane, which traditionally symbolises hope and healing during difficult times.