AS the NHS celebrated its 73rd anniversary Prime Minister Boris Johnson recognised the efforts of volunteers from Appleton’s Indian community for their support of WHH staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Tripta Joshi, of the Indian Community of Appleton Group, was today presented with a Point of Light award by Andy Carter MP, on behalf of the Prime Minister, in recognition of her efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic supporting staff at Warrington & Halton Hospitals.
The group mobilised the community to donate funds, to shop, cook and deliver meals for WHH ward and Emergency Department staff. Over the past twelve months the group has cooked and delivered over 5000 hot meals and provided weekly fruit hampers.
The group also knitted hearts which were given to bereaved families to keep with a matching heart placed with the patient.
The Point of Light Award recognises inspirational individuals that have made an outstanding contribution to their community. Their actions are championed as changing lives and their stories acting as a catalyst for others to get involved or start their own initiatives.
Mr Carter said: “It was a tremendous honour to present Dr Joshi with her Points of Light award today on behalf of the Prime Minister on what is the 73rd anniversary of the NHS. Her unwavering commitment and contributions to supporting staff and patients at Warrington Hospital through the pandemic is completely humbling and I know how much her efforts have been appreciated by all those that she has helped.
“From making PPE for care workers to co-ordinating the delivery of thousands of hot meals to staff at the hospital, Dr Joshi has been able to pull on the support of friends and colleagues in the Appleton Indian community and it was lovely to hear here sharing the award with all those who have assisted. I cannot think of a better person to receive this special recognition.”
Simon Constable, Chief Executive of WHH NHS said: “Our staff were under tremendous pressure as the pandemic began to gather pace. The efforts of our local community to reach out and support, at a time when shifts were particularly challenging and many of our staff were living away from their families to protect them, was incredibly touching and well received.
“Dr Tripta is an outstanding example of an individual who has mobilised the support of her community for the benefit of others and the staff of WHH are very thankful. It’s fantastic that these efforts have been recognised by the Prime Minister.”
