New Emergency Department packs provide a little dose of comfort for patients

Patients attending the Emergency Department at Epsom will now receive essential personal care packs, thanks to a collaboration between Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity, Swishes and the team in ED.

The packs, which contain basic toiletries and hygiene items, will be offered to patients experiencing extended waits or unexpected admissions. Hospital staff provide the packs directly to those in need, helping them to refresh and regain a sense of comfort during what can be challenging times.

Swishes, a charity founded by a mother-and-daughter duo who hold Epsom Hospital close to their heart. They were inspired in 2018 after noticing high prices for simple toiletries in hospital shops. Since then, they have been supplying packs entirely funded through community donations and sponsorship, with every penny going to support patients.

Molly Simpson, Head of Charity at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity said: “We were pleased to be able to support this after the Emergency Department highlighted the need for their patients. Even more so, we are delighted to be collaborating with Swishes, another local Charity.”

Carol, Swishes Founder said: “These packs are a simple yet meaningful way to help patients feel cared for while they wait for treatment, especially during the winter months when the department can become very busy.”

We’d love the help, support and donations of our community to help carry on this fantastic initiative, so for more information about Swishes and how to support their work, please visit www.swishes.org.uk