A hospital trust from Teesside is delighted after over 150 electronic devices were donated to its digital donation appeal in January.
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust held two digital donation events across its hospital sites at James Cook and the Friarage on Wednesday 15 January.
The events were held in partnership with furbd, part of Middlesbrough charity the Hope Foundation with the aim of tackling digital poverty across the region.
Over 80 working smart phones, 20 laptops and a collection of tablets, PC’s, monitors and printers were received from individuals and businesses within their local community.
Many of the devices have already been distributed to maternity patients across Teesside by lead digital midwife for South Tees Hospitals, Grace Murray.
Grace led on the appeal and is part of the digital inclusion team for the hospital trust.
She said: “I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to help support our appeal.
“It’s such a worthwhile cause and these devices will really make a huge difference to our maternity patients, many of whom are unfortunately facing digital exclusion across Teesside.
“We are planning on holding these on a regular basis so that we can continue to help as many patients as possible and in turn, reduce the percentage of digital poverty in our area.
“I cannot thank the people of Teesside enough for their kindness.”
Supporting a patient in need
On the day, the teams were also able to provide support to a non-maternity patient called Lee Peat who was facing digital exclusion.
Lee had been unable to get in touch with support services in the local area because he didn’t have a phone.
However, the team were able to gift him a donated smartphone from the appeal and he was able to make an appointment with the Hope Foundation on the same day.
David Thomas, business development manager for furbd, which is part of the Hope Foundation said:
“The team at furbd are so pleased with the number of devices that have been donated since we launched the appeal.
“We are often in short supply of devices but to due people’s generosity across Teesside, our team has now been able to refurbish lots of un-used devices that can be redistributed to people those who really need them like Lee.
From giving maternity patients better access to their records or providing families in need with the ability to sit down with their children on an evening and help them with their homework, this appeal really highlights how every device really does make a difference to someone’s life.”
Donations were received from local businesses including the Applebridge Family, JBCA Accountants, JSM Bespoke Kitchens and Bedrooms and Dunelm Geotechnical.
Ways to donate
If you were unable to make the events but would still like to donate, please email [email protected] or visit https://furbdit.org.uk/index.php/donations/individual/ to find a donation site.