The current pandemic is the largest global health emergency after the Second World War. Our staff have worked tirelessly throughout Covid-19 and cared for patients from all backgrounds. Many have made personal sacrifices to care for the community. Never before has there been such an urgent need to support the physical and mental wellbeing of NHS staff.

The Trust needs donations to help fund the cost of a new purpose-built shower and changing room area at Maidstone Hospital. The Hospital was built in 1983 and is home to services including the Kent Cancer Centre (the UK's fifth largest service of its type).

This project will revamp an old, outdated structure and includes installation of new walls, modern wet rooms, pipework, flooring and decoration. It will also provide improvements to the heating and water infrastructure to ensure staff enjoy warm and relaxing facilities.

The permanent facility on the ground floor of the Hospital will provide new male and female showers, as well as changing areas which all staff can use; whether its to freshen up after cycling to work or showering after a long day wearing PPE, before heading home. It will both increase capacity and enhance the quality of facilities.

The constant need for clinical staff to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can cause heat stress which is a contributing factor to fatigue, dehydration and sore faces. Having these new on-site facilities will make a difference, in particular to clinical colleagues and provide added support for infection control to help keep staff and their loved ones safe. They will support the prioritisation of self-care which is so important at this challenging time.

Maidstone Hospital provides an excellent location for a socially distanced lunchtime run and having these new facilities will also encourage more staff to support their mental and physical health by exercising during the day.

When complete, with your help this shower block will form part of the Trusts legacy to thank staff following Covid-19 supporting staff wellbeing.

£1,200 could fund new window coverings and flashing

£3,600 could fit sinks with new taps and update pipes

£35,500 could fund all the new female WCs and showers

2020 is the year we can all do our bit to support the health and wellbeing of our NHS heroes.

Once this aim has been achieved, or not enough money is raised to carry out this aim, any surplus or unused funds will be used for the general aims of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust Charitable Fund (as permitted by the Charitable Funds objects).