Optician supports Chesterfield Royal Hospital with hamper donation
An appeal from the team at Specsavers Chesterfield has seen the store’s friends, neighbours, family and customers join forces to donate a range of essential items for Chesterfield Royal Hospital.
The store’s Optometrist Director, Allissa Charlesworth, launched the campaign earlier in April following an appeal from the hospital for patient toiletries, supplies of which were running low as a result of the lockdown visitor ban.
Within a few days of launching the appeal, donations from the town’s residents flooded in, resulting in over 35 kilograms of items, from toothpastes to shampoos, collected for the hospital.
Allissa comments: ‘After seeing the request from the hospital for toiletries, we felt compelled to help, where we can, and support our local NHS staff and patients in which ever way we could.
‘It must be extremely difficult for patients who can’t have visits from family members, both emotionally, but also practically, in getting hold of the personal care products they might need.
‘I’ve been totally blown away with the community spirit in Chesterfield, and I’m extremely thankful to those who have donated products and money to the cause. I’m sure the donations will have a tangible impact locally, for those who need it most.’
Allissa concludes: ‘We would like the community to know that although we have suspended all routine eye and hearing tests, we are still very much open to assist with any eye health or vision related problems. Many can be resolved without needing to visit the store as we’ve launched RemoteCare, which sees our optometrists on hand for video call and telephone consultations. It’s vital that people feel like they’re able to discuss their concerns and that anyone with an eye problem is able to access the care they require.’
The donation also collected just under £100 in cash which will be donated to the patient welfare charity at the hospital.
Following the Coronavirus outbreak, staff at the Chesterfield store have been out in the community delivering glasses to residents who are self isolating, whilst also keeping the shop open for emergencies such as the needs of Key Workers.
Specsavers’ teams are classed as key workers to provide urgent and essential eye care to those who need it. That includes supporting other key workers who couldn’t function without their help and people who would come to harm without their health expertise, especially where the usual hospital services and NHS facilities are being prioritised for the fight against COVID-19.
As well as RemoteCare, anyone concerned about their eye and hearing health can access care through a variety of ways, including ‘Specsavers Ask the Expert’ public group on Facebook and the Specsavers website care hub. Customers who have an existing prescription can buy glasses and contact lenses online at specsavers.co.uk
For more information about the RemoteCare service visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/online-consultation-service
