John Lewis to deliver care packages to NHS workers

Packages contain snacks, shaving foam, and antibacterial hand gel

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John Lewis has joined forces with the British Medical Association (BMA) to provide NHS staff on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic with care packages.

The packages will be sent out to medics and volunteers working across the UK’s busiest hospitals and will include items such as deodorant, socks, shaving foam, hand cream, antibacterial hand gel and lip balm.

Snacks will also be included in addition to tea and coffee.

The contents of the care packages have been decided based on advice from the BMA.

The retail giant is also behind a new wellbeing area that has been created at the Nightingale hospital in east London where medical workers can unwind.

Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chairman of the BMA, said: “When so many healthcare staff are putting in hour after hour to look after so many very sick patients, a deed, such as this, to show how much they are appreciated, can make all the difference.

“Supplying healthcare staff with essentials they may otherwise have difficulty getting hold of because of the hours they are working is truly welcome and we are very grateful.

“Whilst we know that many staff are facing huge challenges, we hope these boxes will bring a few smiles and some comfort to as many staff as possible during these incredibly difficult times.”

Matthew Trainer, deputy chief executive of the NHS Nightingale London, added that the team is very grateful to the John Lewis Partnership.

“The care packages designed in collaboration with the BMA will be a welcome gesture of support for busy staff on the go, and the wellbeing space will allow our staff much-needed time out during their shifts,” he said.