Local children have been busy drawing get well cards for patients during their stay at Maidstone Hospital which are helping to lift spirits and provide a colourful boost.

A member of staff helped to launch the initiative to help to reduce feelings of loneliness amongst patients.
Jodie Bond, a Flow Coordinator at Mercer Ward and mum from Maidstone posted a plea for cards on her Facebook page and within hours was contacted with offers of support from the local community. More than 50 colourful cards with handwritten messages are now being distributed to wards across Maidstone Hospital.
Jodie was supported by colleagues including Kate Hallewell, Matron for Acute Medicine and Geriatrics and Emma Howells, Junior Sister to turn the idea into a reality.

Jodie said:
“We are really grateful to children and their families for sending their beautiful homemade cards which are so appreciated by patients, their families and staff. Pupils from Sandling Primary School also created some lovely rainbow posters which are now proudly adorning our ward office window!”
Other schools and groups which have sent in drawings include Westborough Primary School, Maidstone, the Discovery School in Kingshill and 2nd Pembury Rainbows and Brownies.

Some pictures will be included within staff care hampers currently being collated by the Trust’s charity.The Trust is asking schools and groups to email their pictures where possible to mtwtr.covidpublicsupport@nhs.net.

For more information on the Trust’s charity please contact laura.kennedy8@nhs.net.