Thank You - Temporary Accommodation Team

Front line NHS workers have seen major changes in their lives over the past few weeks. For many of them, this has included moving home, to stay close to their place of work while public transport has been greatly reduced, or because they live with family members who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19.

This upheaval in their day-to-day routine, accompanied in many cases by separation from those whom they love, has been made so much easier by the massive group effort of our Temporary Accommodation Team, with support from Oxford Hospitals Charity.

As the need for temporary accommodation for our staff increased, so too did the many offers from local companies, hotels, colleges, schools and individual landlords with properties close to our hospital sites. The team has worked tirelessly to match staff in need with appropriate lodgings, and their efforts have been hugely appreciated.

"It has been great to be able to support staff during this time and keep them working where we can" one team member says.

Another adds: "We have not only been helping with accommodation, but… to lend an ear, or just offer general support and reassurance."

In many cases, hot meals have also been provided, so our staff members do not need to worry about finding kitchen facilities to use in order to cook for themselves - something they have described as 'psychologically reassuring' when they are working such long and demanding hours.

A member of staff, who was helped by the team, commented:

"Last month I had to use the offer myself, after a household member became unwell and met the criteria for self-isolation. I applied online and was offered a room... This was comfortable and clean and my evening meal and breakfast were very welcome at the end of very long days. The staff at the hotel were great and very professional.

"I just wanted to say that this was a great service and thank all those involved who made it possible."

Anne Tutt, OUH Vice Chair and Non-executive Director, says:

"It has been a huge challenge to source properties for our staff in their hour of need, and to match them with the most suitable accommodation on offer.

"Being able to live apart from vulnerable family members, or avoid travel to our sites, has enabled our staff to stay with us and care for our patients, where otherwise they would not have been able to do so."

The team could not have achieved what they have without the support of the local businesses and institutions who have risen to the challenge of housing our staff at short notice - we are enormously grateful to all of them and the feedback on their properties and services has been wonderful.

On behalf of our hard-working staff - thank you all for what you do!

Pictured: Temporary Accommodation Team, pictured with Douglas Graham, CEO of Oxford Hospitals Charity, which has been helping to provide regular meals for staff in lodgings.