Rothehram crochet campaign to provide comfort for patients receiving end of life care
The hearts can provide a simple symbol of comfort and connection at an incredibly difficult time”
Volunteers are wanted to help crochet heart tokens to comfort Rotherham patients and families during difficult moments.
The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust campaign, Crochet for Comfort, asks knitters in the area to produce small crocheted hearts which can be given to patients receiving end of life care and their loved ones, acting as a small symbol of comfort and connection during vulnerable moments.
The hearts form part of the personalised memory-making resources the Trust offers alongside memory boxes, fingerprints, locks of hair, heartbeat recordings and other keepsakes.
The Trust launched the plea last week and has published guidance on its website detailing how to make the hearts for those who wish to participate.
The Trust’s Lead Nurse for Palliative Care, Acute Oncology, Cancer of Unknown Primary and Chaplaincy, Karen Shay-Nutt, said: “At the end of life, small, personal gestures can make a meaningful difference to patients and the people who are important to them.
“The hearts can provide a simple symbol of comfort and connection at an incredibly difficult time and can become a treasured keepsake for families after someone has died.
“By making and donating comfort hearts, members of our community can help us bring a little extra warmth, compassion and kindness to our patients and families when it matters most.
“If you can help, we would be hugely grateful for your support.”
Completed hearts can be dropped off at Rotherham Hospital’s Welcome Desk or posted to Karen Shay-Nutt, D Level, Rotherham Hospital, Moorgate Road, Rotherham, S60 2UD.