€55,000 raised by hospital Foundation for brave staff
By Mary Dennehy
THE Tallaght University Hospital Foundation (TUHF) has this week thanked the community for its “collective action” and for standing up in support of the hospital, its patients and staff.
The fundrasing organisation of the local hospital, TUHF is currently running a campaign to raise €100,00 to support staff as they adapt daily to challenges presented by Covid-19.
TUHF team (L - R) Sarah Benson (Head of Marketing & Communications), Kelly Crowley (Head of Development), Douglas Collins CEO and Siobhan Cosgrove (Operations Manager) (File Shot)
TUHF is halfway there, with €55k raised in the past four weeks - thanks to the generosity of local businesses, groups and individuals.
Money raised is being earmarked for projects that respond to emerging needs at the local hospital, and which have been identified by staff working on the ground.
The projects will respond to challenges presented by Covid-19 and also support staff in continuing to care for all patients across the hospital and within the community.
Speaking with The Echo this week, Kelly Crowley, TUHF Head of Development said: “It’s obvious now with Covid-19 that the hospital has to adapt, and adapt every day.
“There’s things happening on the ground that staff might notice…and they have ideas on how to make things better for themselves and patients.
“It’s the staff on the ground noticing these things and coming up with innovative ideas or projects.
“Staff now know, thanks to the generosity of the community, that funds are available and they can approach the foundation.
“Some ideas wouldn’t cost that much but could have a huge impact.”
One project currently being supported by TUHF is the transformation of 16 rooms within the hospital into rest and relaxation rooms for staff.
“This project will allow staff to create a little sanctuary amongst all of this”, Kelly said.
While fundraising is vital for the hospital at the moment, Kelly said that a price cannot be placed on the impact the community’s support is having on staff.
Alongside receiving €55k in donations, the hospital has also received more than €50k in gifts-in-kind, such as care packs, food hampers, meals and Easter eggs.
Team work in ICU at Tallaght University Hospital
There are also teams of people and individuals right across the community running, walking and creatively engaging in various virtual challenges for their local frontline heroes.
“The support we have seen has been absolutely amazing”, Kelly told The Echo.
“Local community groups, residents, local businesses, The Square and its tenants, large multi-nationals based in the area, schools, churches… all coming together and all playing their part.
“We knew when we started the campaign that the community was going to be struggling, Covid-19 is having a huge impact on everybody… with a lot of local businesses deeply affected.
“However, no matter what’s going on in their own lives, people have stood up and asked what could they do… this has been so important to the hospital and its staff.
“The support we have received shows the generosity of spirit within our community.”
She added: “We can’t even begin to demonstrate how thankful we are for the support, every part of the community has come on board to support us.
“As a community we really can achive great things.”
As they continue on their mission to raise €100,000, TUHF has asked the community for its continued support – and invites anybody in a position to make a donation to consider Tallaght University Hospital.
Douglas Collins, the CEO of TUHF said: “I want to extend my thanks to everyone in our community who has responded to Tallaght University Hospital’s call for support.
“We are overwhelmed with your kindness and generosity.
“Everyone is incredibly touched by the community’s support.
“Through the heroic efforts of our staff at TUH, things will someday return to normal and we will get the opportunity to tell you the stories of what your collective action has achieved.
“Until then, I want to thank each and every one on behalf of TUH staff, patients and their families and ask you to continue your great support for our frontline.”
The Coronas, with support from a number of their musical peers, also recorded a song in isolation called Real Hero and dedicated it to the frontline workers at Tallaght University Hospital – and encouraged people to donate to the TUHF campaign.
Donate to the Tallaght University Hospital campaign at TUH.
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