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Tuesday 31 May 2022

On Tuesday 5 July, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity are inviting people in Worcestershire to join the biggest NHS tea party yet by hosting their own NHS Big Tea on the health service’s 74^th birthday.

Led by NHS Charities Together, the NHS Big Tea brings the nation together to celebrate the birthday of our beloved NHS, giving thanks to the workforce, whilst raising funds to provide the extra support needed for staff, patients, and volunteers. Communities can celebrate by making time for tea – another national treasure!

Last year more than 4,800 hosts signed up, collectively raising over £500,000. In addition to individuals, schools, community groups and organisations, more than 150 NHS charities were involved, including Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity.

Sophie Burt, Head of Fundraising and Community Development at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity said: “The support we received across our county last year was fantastic and this year we hope to see even more supporters embracing this special event for their local NHS. The charity is dedicated to providing the added extras and enhancements that improve the experience for everyone using or providing services across our Trust. Funds raised by the Big Tea will make a huge difference to our patients, staff and services by supporting our NHS to go further.”

Over the last 12 months Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity have funded projects as diverse as care packages for staff to combat the effects of essential but uncomfortable PPE, to furnishing a relatives’ room for palliative care patients and enhancing treatment equipment for Oncology patients.

Ellie Orton OBE, Chief Executive at NHS Charities Together, said: “The NHS can’t face every challenge alone, and the network of NHS charities is proud to have funded hundreds of incredible projects supporting staff, patients and communities. By hosting tea parties and inviting your friends, colleagues or classmates, the NHS Big Tea allows us to come together and say an enormous thank you to our incredible NHS – especially after all they’ve been through these last two years, and the ongoing challenges they continue to face.

“So, whether at home, in the office or in school, we’re asking the nation to pop the kettle on, grab the biscuits, and raise vital funds to help the NHS go further this July.”

Amanda Pritchard, NHS Chief Executive, said: “No one in the country has been untouched by the events of the last two years and NHS staff along with our wonderful volunteers, workers who kept our shops and public services running and those who kept schools and offices open across the country are no exception.

“The NHS Big Tea is an excellent opportunity for communities to come together and pay tribute to brilliant staff and volunteers, who have gone above and beyond during the pandemic to keep us and our loved ones safe. The effects of the pandemic are still being felt even as the NHS and the country now looks to recover and rebuild, so the continued support of local communities remains as vital as it is hugely appreciated.”

To sign up to host your own NHS Big Tea event and receive a fundraising support pack, please visit www.wahcharity.org/nhs-big-tea-2022 or call 01905 768954.

About Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity:

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity supports patients, staff and services in Worcestershire’s acute hospitals. We do this through fundraising campaigns and the effective use of donations, to provide enhancements, additions and added extras that link closely with the strategic aims of Worcestershire Acute Hospital NHS Trust.

The Trust manages three local hospitals – the Alexandra in Redditch, Kidderminster Hospital and Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester – as well as providing a range of healthcare services from sites across our county.

The aim of the charity is to make the experience less difficult, the environment more comfortable and the working day easier. Our projects support the following three key areas: 

• Improving facilities for patients, staff and visitors 
• Supporting ongoing staff development and welfare
• Funding additional medical equipment 

The charity exists to provide those added extras that improve the experience for everyone using or providing services. Funds provided by the charity support developments and activities which are over and above core NHS services. No donations are used to replace core NHS funding. 

To make sure the charity makes the biggest impact possible on the health of our county we work alongside the Trust to identify where your support can make a real difference. This may be by enhancing the space in new building developments, supporting the purchase of the most advanced equipment for a new treatment or service or by providing the added extras towards staff wellbeing.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity’s vision is for the very best healthcare service for our county and to deliver our mission by being an effective partner for the NHS in Worcestershire supporting the thousands of patients that access services at our hospitals and the thousands of hardworking staff delivering them.