Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) has launched an initiative to say thank you to the children of staff members for their support and contribution at this difficult time.

OUH Chief Executive Officer Dr Bruno Holthof has written a thank you letter for staff members to download and write in their own child/children’s names.

He says: “I know it’s been really tough for everyone over the last few months of the coronavirus pandemic and I don’t underestimate the impact that this has had on your family life and your loved ones at home.

“Staff have many different caring responsibilities – depending on your family circumstances – and I do understand how your job here at OUH can have an impact on the ones you love, both young and old.

“This can be particularly true of children and young people who have been affected by the huge changes brought about by COVID-19.”

Staff can download and print off the letter – see below. 

DOWNLOAD LETTER

BOOK FOR CHILDREN ABOUT CORONAVIRUS

Copies of an online book which explains Coronavirus to children and has illustrations by Gruffalo artist, Axel Scheffler have been especially printed, funded by Oxford Hospitals Charity.

The picture books have been distributed amongst the Oxford Children’s Hospital, Horton Children’s Ward, Oxfordshire Hospital School and also given to many staff across Trust who have children. The charity would like to thank Fineprint, for their generous support of this project, Nosy Crow who created the online version of the book and Sam Foster, Chief Nursing Officer for the idea to get it printed. If you are a member of OUH staff and would like a copy please email [email protected] 

LISTEN TO AUDIOBOOK

CHILDREN'S ACTIVITY BOOK

Children of OUH staff are also being offered a new activity book which medical students from the Tingewick Society charity have created to help parents channel some of their children's energy and boredom into during lockdown.

It features Tingewick's mascot, a pink elephant called Rita Tingewick, and involves a number of activities and puzzles to help educate children about Coronavirus and keep them entertained – it is available to download and print off using the button below.

DOWNLOAD ACTIVITY BOOK