Campaign Raised over £70k to Buy iPads for Covid-19 Patients

The Manchester nurse who spearheaded the #Staytogether campaign to buy iPads and computer tablets for hospitals so that patients could speak to their loved ones during the Coronavirus crisis has today spoken of the ‘overwhelming response’ from members of the public which helped raise more than £70,000.

Leona Harris who works on the isolation ward at Fairfield General Hospital in Bury, Greater Manchester, and has witnessed the difficulties patients face to stay in touch with their families launched the fundraising campaign in April.

In the months that followed the cause attracted the support of more than 1200 people who donated through the Justgiving page to the tune of £41,500, with a further £30,000 donated by national law firm Simpson Millar and its staff.

The funds mean that 180 iPads or computer tablets have been donated to 80 hospitals and hospices across the country. £7,000 cash was also donated to allow other institutions to buy their own.

As the number of Covid-19 cases is in decline, hospitals are also discovering more ways to use the computers for patient care including apps to support recovery and communication with patients with neurological conditions or whose first language isn’t English as well as explaining procedures to children in engaging and interactive ways.   

Leona said, “The response to the #Staytogether campaign has been overwhelming, and we’re absolutely delighted to have been able to help so many people in so many hospitals and hospices.

“A huge Thank You to everyone who has helped to make this possible.”