Can you record a message of thanks to staff at Derriford Hospital this Christmas?

Derriford Hospital is asking patients and their loved ones to record a short video message or take a picture of themselves to send to those who cared for them.

With current restrictions at the hospital, it is not possible for patients to revisit the ward or department they were cared in to say thanks to staff.

Instead, a webform has been set up so that families and patients can share a message to their carers.

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust says it has a "profound impact on NHS staff and encourages everyone at Derriford to keep up the hard work".

Kate Tantam, a specialist sister in the ICU said "it makes a difference":

"We recently received a message from Christine, a Covid-19 patient that stayed with us for a long time.

"Seeing her now, recovered, with her family and doing so well, inspires us all to keep doing what we are doing."

The Trust would like to hear the stories of their patients and their rehabilitation and progress outside the hospital.

With the patients’ consent, the images will be put up in walls for staff to see and remind themselves that their work really matters.

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• derriford hospital
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