12 ways you can support your NHS this Christmas
12 days of Christmas
The NHS improves the health and wellbeing of our communities and plays an important role in all of our lives. This Christmas we are highlighting 12 ways you can give back and support your local NHS.
- Take part in our research
We're always looking for patients who can help us find out which treatments work best for people and compare different approaches to preventing and treating illnesses and health problems. If you or someone you know are interested in taking part in reserach, you can find out how to do this on our website, or if you are under the care of a clinical team, you can speak to them.
- Give blood
Giving blood saves lives, and donors from all backgrounds are needed to ensure the right blood is available for those who need it. Currently, more donors of Black Heritage are needed to help those with sickle cell disease, a serious and life threatening blood disorder. Read Kistmat’s story to learn more about living with sickle cell and how you can help.
- Support our charity
Barts Charity is your dedicated charity who support care excellence and fund world-leading research across Barts Health hospitals. You can support through donating, taking part in fundraising events, or perhaps becoming a Secret Santa in this year’s give gift Christmas appeal.
- Make your organ donation decision known
Organ donation will only go ahead with the support of your family, and your clinicians will never proceed with organ donations if your loved ones object. That’s why it’s essential to make your decision known to your families when you register your organ donation decision.
- Work with us
At Barts Health, we will take you on a diverse, exciting and rewarding career journey. We can offer you an excellent package, flexible working, exclusive benefits and the opportunity to gain unparalleled experience in one of our innovative hospitals. Find out more about joining the Barts Health family and our current opportunities.
- Be Green
There is a direct link between the health of our planet and the health of our people. We’re working towards the NHS ambition is to be the world’s first net-zero health service by 2040. Follow our tips this Christmas on how you can do your part to be more sustainable.
- Stay well
If you, or someone you care for, is waiting for treatment, it’s important that you stay well mentally and physically. You can wait well by staying active, consuming a healthy diet, limiting alcohol and stopping smoking to prepare you for your procedure and help with your recovery. Find further wellness advice here.
- Be kind to our staff
Violence and aggression towards our staff will never be accepted. We are committed to keeping a safe environment for our people in our hospitals so they can continue providing compassionate care without fear of abuse or violence from patients, colleagues or members of the public. We’re here to provide support on keeping you safe.
- Volunteer with us
Our volunteers are inspiring, caring and passionate individuals who meet and work with new people from all walks of life, learn new skills and gain new experience in our hospitals. There are many volunteering roles to suit your skillset and interests, which play a key role in the running of our day-to-day services. Find out more and how to apply today.
- Manage your appointments
Empowering patients to manage their care and reduce missed appointments will have a big impact in reducing pressures on our hospitals this winter. Find out how our Patients Know Best web platform can give you control over your care.
- Look after your loved ones
Christmas can be a difficult time of year for some people, and it’s important that you check in on your loved ones’ wellbeing. If you or someone close to you is experiencing mental health problems, there are a number of different typed of support available. Find the right support for you here.
- Nominate a Barts Health Hero
Our Barts Health Heroes awards recognise our outstanding colleagues who live our values and go above and beyond for patients and colleagues. All teams and individuals, whether directly employed or through one of our partner organisations, or one of our volunteers, can be nominated. Find out more and nominate your hero now.
Thank you. Merry Christmas and a Happy new year!