We know the cost-of-living crisis is having a real impact on staff. Our senior leaders are committed to providing sustainable help in the months ahead.

We are giving vouchers to those in most need to help with the cost of new school uniforms which can be used at specified local school uniform shops. We’re also hosting marketplaces where our staff can swap second-hand school uniforms and non-clinical office wear.

Our BHRUT marketplaces will be held at both Queen’s and King George Hospital next month. Ahead of these, we’re encouraging our staff to donate clean, lightly used school uniforms (primary or secondary) and formal office wear. However, they will not have to donate to take items home.

We’re also extending the hours of our staff shuttle bus which runs between Queen’s and King George hospitals. At the moment, the service is available from 8am to 6pm. From Monday 25 July, it will operate from 6.30am and 10pm.

Our Trust has a specific Cost-of-Living Project team which continues to work on other initiatives to support our staff.

Matthew Trainer (pictured above), our Chief Executive, said: “We want to do what we can to support our staff during these challenging times. I hope these initiatives will go some way towards helping those who need it most.”