AN appeal to help NHS staff at Musgrove Park Hospital has been launched as the coronavirus crisis continues.

Love Musgrove, the Taunton hospital's charitable arm, has launched a Covid-19 appeal in response to the outbreak, which is threatening to swamp the NHS.

Organisers say donating to the appeal is 'the best way to say thank you'.

Money would be used for:

  • staff wellbeing projects to support workers during the crisis
  • equipment and support for the busiest departments, like ITU (Intensive Therapy Unit)
  • items to support those in isolation

"In light of their hard work, and the challenge facing the community, we are encouraging everyone to rally behind Musgrove and say thank you to staff during this extremely difficult time," said an appeal spokesperson.

"Staff are working incredibly hard to keep us safe; their dedication, commitment and passion to continue to deliver exceptional care during this unprecedented period is truly inspirational and we are extremely proud of them."

The appeal comes as the UK joined a special 'clap for your NHS' event, which saw thousands across the country join to applaud care workers at 8pm on Thursday evening.

How to donate to the Love Musgrove Covid-19 appeal:

  • Visit www.lovemusgrove.org.uk/covid19
  • Test MUSGROVE followed by your donation amount (between £1 and £20) to 70085
  • Send a cheque, payable to 'Love Musgrove Covid-19' to Fundraising Office, Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 5DA

But despite public support, many NHS workers are concerned over a lack of protective equipment for those caring for patients on the front line.

On Thursday, Health Minister Edward Argar insisted personal protective equipment (PPE) deliveries are being increased, and that millions of masks and gloves have already been delivered.

"We entirely understand how important it is that you (frontline staff) get the kit that you need and feel safe and are safe in doing this amazing work that you are doing," he told BBC Breakfast.

Mr Argar said the Government was "ramping up" deliveries of PPE, and had in the last few days delivered 24 million pairs of protective gloves, along with 13 million protective face masks.

On ventilators, he said an additional 8,000 were being ordered and manufactured - which should be available in the next week or two.

  • Are you working in the NHS front line? Do you have the equipment you need to protect patients and yourself? Let us know via newsdesk@countygazette.co.uk