Florence Nightingale would be proud! How nurses got gifts on their special day

NURSES working across Manchester's hospitals have been given surprise gifts to help them mark two special occasions - the 200th birthday of their profession's founder, Florence Nightingale, and International Nurses Day 2020.

During the Covid-19 crisis, most celebrations planned by nurses have had to be cancelled.

So Manchester Foundation Trust Charity, the fundraising arm of the Trust, decided to organise and distribute gifts from health product maker The Hut Group for both male and female nursing staff.

In all 10,000 gifts were given - mainly beauty boxes containing items like gels, face masks and moisturisers.

Sarah Naismith, Director of Manchester Foundation Trust Charity, said:“Our nursing staff have been working incredibly hard and we wanted them to know the Charities team are supporting them in every way we can.

“Many businesses...have made some fantastic donations. We cannot thank them enough for all they have done for us. We are so grateful that incredible people are doing amazing things to support our NHS.''

Jill Findlay, a matron in the Emergency Department at Manchester Royal Infirmary said: “It is so nice to get a little treat after a long shift.

“When you’re wearing PPE on the ward all shift your skin can get very dry so the face mask will be lovely to try on at home.”

Manchester Foundation Trust Charity has had more than £1million-worth of items donated for staff and patients during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Charity team have set up a well-being fund, so that individuals who want to help can make a contribution too. The Charity fundraises throughout the year to support the treatment, research and care of patients treated at NHS hospitals across the city of Manchester and Trafford.

For more details visit www.mftcharity.org.uk or follow Manchester Foundation Trust Charity on social media and use the hashtag #ThankyouTeamMFT