Letters to Loved Ones

THE true spirit of Christmas is flourishing as relatives and friends are helping to spread cheer to their loved ones who are receiving care across hospitals in mid and south Essex during the holiday season.

In a heart-warming gesture, relatives have been writing letters to patients, aiming to uplift spirits and spread joy during their hospital stay.

The initiative, which runs all year round is organised by the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust’s Patient Experience team and aims to counteract the sense of isolation that can sometimes accompany a hospital stay.

With families and friends unable to visit due to various reasons or distance, this service is helping to bridge the gap and bring joy. Letters can be sent to the team to pass on to patients while they are in hospital.

Yvonne Shek, Patient Experience Coordinator at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Broomfield, Basildon and Southend hospitals, said: “The impact of these letters is immeasurable, they bring a sense of comfort and warmth, especially during this time when being away from family can be particularly challenging.

“It’s amazing to see how these letters light up the faces of our patients, not only improving the emotional well-being of patients, but it’s also having a positive impact on their recovery journey.”

The outpouring of support from families has been remarkable, with each letter a small gesture, but collectively creating an atmosphere of positivity and warmth throughout patients and wards at Southend, Basildon and Broomfield hospitals.

For patients like Kelly Marshall, from Grays, who received a letter from one of her friends, the arrival of these messages has really helped brighten her stay at Basildon Hospital. Ms Marshall said: “Reading the words from my friend, Nikki, is like a ray of sunshine despite me being in hospital.”

In a season marked by giving, these simple acts of kindness help remind everyone that the greatest gift of all is the love and connection shared between family and friends, spreading joy to those who need it most.

You can send your Letters to Loved Ones by emailing the Patient Experience team directly at [email protected].

Picture: L-R: Kelly Marshall and Yvonne Shek

Read more.

Visit: https://leigh-on-sea.news

Contact us. Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leighonsea.news

Twitter: @leighonsea_news

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighonsea.news