A Premier League football star has made a kind donation of 10 iPads for our patients to keep in touch with their families while on our wards.
Adam Smith (pictured ), who plays for AFC Bournemouth, is originally from the local area, and wanted to help us during the coronavirus (COVID-19) response.
In addition to the 10 iPads, Adam has donated accompanying cases and 10 pairs of Apple EarPods headphones to be shared with staff in a prize draw.
Adam said: “I made this donation so that people can FaceTime their families when they are ill and need to speak to them. Hopefully this helps them out and helps the hospital out and makes it more comfortable for them. I have my own family and I can’t imagine what it feels like.
“A massive thank you to all of the NHS workers, the doctors, the nurses, everyone associated with the hospital and the NHS, you are doing an amazing job for the COVID-19 patients. Thank you so much for your hard work.”
Shahid Sardar, associate director of patient engagement, said: “We are so grateful to Adam for donating iPads to be used for our video call service.
“Since we introduced the service, we have received fantastic feedback about the difference this has made for our patients and their family members.
“It means so much to people to stay in contact with their loved ones during these unprecedented times and helps to keep their spirits up.”
John Keddie, non-executive director at PAHT, who chairs The Princess Alexandra Hospitals’ Charity, said: “Thank you to Adam for making such a thoughtful gesture in donating so generously to our hospital.
“The iPads will provide an important way for our patients to communicate with their friends and family members as part of the video call service available at our hospital. The prize draw for the headphones will also give a real boost for our dedicated staff.”