[Watch] Critical NHS continues to spread wings in fight against pandemic
The whole world is fighting the invisible yet deadly COVID-19 pandemic which has turned our known universe upside down in the blink of an eye. European countries have been struggling to control its spread with the United Kingdom (UK) having recorded 248 000 positive cases and a death toll of 35 704 up to date, making it one of the top-affected countries.
The African saying Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu (translated as “I am because you are, and you are because we are”) comes to mind when one views the tireless efforts of a South African expat Anton Truter and the Critical NHS team of volunteers to provide relief for healthcare workers in the UK.
Critical NHS: Feeding the ‘frontline army’
Property developer Truter, who relocated to the UK in 1995, is one of the founding members of the London-based Critical NHS which was established on 19 March 2020. The non-profit initiative solely relies on public donations and sponsorship and operates with an “army of about 300 volunteers”.
Critical NHS’ original focus was to provide three hot meals a day to healthcare workers working long shifts with precious little time to shop for essential goods, at the St George’s Hospital, in Watford, London.
Going beyond the frontline
Critical NHS has spread its wings, working closely with 16 UK hospitals, as well as providing support in the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE), car parking fees and hotel rooms for frontline staff who would not otherwise be in a position to work.
Operations have also expanded to distribute meals to additional centres, such as old age facilities, domestic violence centres and homeless shelters, providing care to more vulnerable members of the community who have been adversely affected by the pandemic.
50 000 meals and counting…
According to Truter, Critical NHS has provided 50 000 meals since the initiative started and staying true to its mission statement, it has also assisted restaurants and other local businesses.
“We are not buying essential goods from big retailers, we are working hand in hand with small business enterprises as we purchase their goods in order for them to stay afloat,” said Truter.
Up to this date, Critical NHS has raised R7 million in funds. The organisation has also provided 32 iPads for COVID-19 isolation wards to help keep family members in touch.
A month ago, Truter also helped South Africans who were stranded at London’s Heathrow Airport to get home.
No comments: