Businesses have vital role to play in supporting NHS staff

East of England businesses are being urged to once again unite behind our over-worked and under-pressure NHS workers and care staff – supporting the unseen heroes of the pandemic.

Companies across multiple sectors have rallied in support of the nation’s doctors, nurses and social care workers throughout the Covid crisis – but while goodwill remains, direct support has waned, says the CBI.

That is why the UK’s leading business group is launching #BusinessesBackingNHS, which encourages firms to once again step up and show their appreciation for the NHS teams still fighting to save thousands of desperately poorly Covid patients.

The CBI speaks on behalf of 190,000 businesses and is calling on them to engage with their local NHS authorities to explore how best they can help. Gestures large or small – ranging from day-to-day support like donated meals or discounted services, to practical help such as offering resources or manpower to accelerate vaccination drives – are all welcomed.

Organisations in the East of England which have already made such gestures include Anglia Ruskin University, which has supported work to speed up virus testing, provided PPE for NHS staff and care homes and encouraged staff to volunteer in the vaccination effort, plus Moto service stations, which gave free fuel to emergency services.

CBI East of England Director, Richard Tunnicliffe, said:

“British business has made remarkable contributions to the national effort from the outset of the pandemic, from pivoting operations to meet the ventilator challenge in spring, to donating PPE and food to those in need throughout the summer.

“Companies across East of England were quick and creative in backing our brilliant NHS workers, who were buoyed by this outpouring of kindness.

“However, while the NHS continues to struggle under incredible pressure, some of the early support has dried up. After nearly a year fighting the pandemic, doctors, nurses and care workers need – and deserve – to know they have not been forgotten.

“I would therefore urge every business in East of England to look again at how they can help – even the smallest gesture can make a meaningful difference to those who have toiled tirelessly to protect us all during the pandemic’s darkest days.”

It is important that well-meaning businesses don’t put pressure on or overwhelm hospitals or vaccination centres. Firms who would like to help should send the details of their idea to NHSI.Help4NHS@NHS.net.

Visit the CBI website to find out more on how you can help