Edinburgh & Lothians Health Foundation is the official charity partner of NHS Lothian.

Working together, we make a difference to people’s health and wellbeing on a local, regional and national level by investing in the improvement of patient care and wellbeing, staff wellbeing, education, and research. From our Green Health and Arts programmes to funding research into pioneering new treatments, we play a vital role in supporting the healthcare system.

Right now our NHS Heroes are under increased pressure as they continue to care for patients during one of the biggest challenges of our lifetime, the Coronavirus pandemic. Coronavirus has had an impact on teams across the whole of NHS Lothian, not only on the frontline but also in the community.

Every day NHS staff are experiencing challenging situations as they respond to the global pandemic, holding someone’s hand when they need comforted, wearing PPE for long periods that is hot and uncomfortable or providing complex care to patients at home. While they are caring for patients, we need to care for them.

Funds raised by you can help pay for essential staff wellbeing like calm and quiet spaces to reflect and rest, hot meals, drinks and nutritious snacks to keep them energised through long, busy shifts or alternative accommodation so that they can self-isolate from their families and protect those they love. Your donations also help support patient wellbeing during these times, through helping to buy tablets for virtual visiting so that patients can share loving moments with friends and family while visiting restrictions are in place.

Your support will make a difference now and beyond the pandemic when we will continue working with our NHS Lothian colleagues to direct funds where they are needed most, making the greatest difference possible so people in Edinburgh and Lothians can live healthier, longer lives.