Grateful frontline health workers are repaying the generosity shown to them during the coronavirus pandemic by donating to local charities.
Video of the campaign is above this article
NHS Tayside has launched a ‘pay it forward’ scheme, encouraging staff to support causes in their communities to show their appreciation for generous gifts donated to them in recent weeks.
Lorna Birse-Stewart, chairwoman of the NHS Tayside board, said: “The support we have received from the public has been overwhelming and I cannot thank them enough.
“I am so proud of the response from our staff who now wish to repay the many kindnesses that have been shown to them over the last few months.
“It is testament to the caring and compassionate nature of our staff that they now want to support those locally who need help the most.”
The health board has been “inundated” with gifts for staff during lockdown including food, toiletries, books and magazines.
Dr Ron Cook, emergency medicine consultant, and one of the staff members taking part in the scheme, said: “This has been an unprecedented time for us all and we have worked together to respond to this most challenging of times.
“However, we couldn’t have done it without the support of the public. They were behind us every step of the way.
“All of this support got us thinking – we have received so many donations in recent months that we now think it’s time for us to give something back.
“That’s why we have decided to launch the NHS Tayside pay it forward campaign.
“We are now encouraging NHS Tayside staff to think about donating to their nearest community hub if they possibly can so others who are maybe a bit more in need can get that extra little bit of help and support.”
