Prince William to honour NHS Charities at Royal Berkshire Hospital

In observance of five years since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Prince William visited the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, England on March 5, 2023. This hospital visit was especially important for him because his wife, Kate Middleton, was born there in 1982, and it is also the place where the first UK victim of COVID-19 died in 2020. 

During his recent visit, Prince William paid thanks to NHS Charities Together which he serves as a patron. This non-profit organization did innovative work during the pandemic by starting a campaign where the main focus was aiding volunteers and workers on the front lines. 

Through their combined efforts, they raised $200 million (£160 million) which helped provide aid, resources, and financial support as well as essential for staff, patients, and communities impacted by the crisis.

The impact of NHS Charities Together

During the initial stage of the pandemic, NHS Charities Together managed to raise over $19 million (£15 million) within just five days. This funding went towards providing mental health services like therapy for those working in health care as well as building makeshift rest facilities. 

Global Heroes: Welshpool firefighters smash car window to save a child and dog

In Kensington Palace, roughly two-thirds of NHS staff were aided through the support projects, and it helped improve their conditions during the direst times of the pandemic.

In the interim, Prince William visited Oasis Health and Wellbeing Centre to see how the funds were put into use. The Centre still acts as a safe haven for NHS employees by offering them mental health and stress relief services.

Demonstrating the enduring benefit of the initiative, ninety per cent of the charity-funded projects are still in operation.

The prince also commemorated the hospital workers who succumbed to COVID-19. Amongst them, two health workers, Dr. Peter Tun and nurse Julie Edward, had made the ultimate sacrifice. 

Their names are given to the trees planted in the hospital garden which stand in honour of their commitment and the countless lives claimed during the pandemic.

Prince William’s sustained assistance for NHS staff and medical care providers

Also, Prince William’s visit made it clear that NHS staff support shouldn’t end with the eradication of a pandemic. NHS Charities Together continues to strengthen the healthcare system in the UK with funding that targets mental health issues, well-being, and long-term recovery of the staff as well as patients.

From the onset, the charity has provided millions of pounds to fund medical equipment, mental health services, and projects that enhance patient care. Through public donations and partnership fundraising, NHS Charities Together makes sure that the relevant healthcare practitioners and the communities continue to be supported. 

Prince William and Kate Middleton have actively advocated for the mental health issues related to NHS staff using their platform. Their support serves to reinforce frontline and public health as well as healthcare professionals’ welfare across the UK. 

This latest visit was a timely reminder regarding the importance of NHS support and that its workers’ sacrifices should absolutely not be forgotten.