Hospital fighting to save lives says it will also save jobs
Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Hospitals Trust has said it will use the power of its £500 million budget to help save local jobs as well as lives at it battles Covid -19.
Health bosses have said they are committed to supporting businesses struggling during the present pandemic – many of whom have been forced to lay off workers.
The promise to use its purchasing power to combat the financial impact of the pandemic came as the trust’s board met to discuss its response to the present health emergency.
Chairman Richard Samuda said: “We recognise the extreme pressure that this pandemic is having on people within our community who rely on income from local businesses and suppliers.
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“At our board meeting, we reiterated our commitment to delivering our payment standards for suppliers, paying for goods promptly to help support the cash flow in these organisations.”
Earlier, hospital bosses announced more than 250 workers across the trust were being re-trained or having their skills updated to staff the intensive treatment units it has opened.
Following the board meeting on Thursday, the trust’s chief executive Toby Lewis, tweeted: "Absolute board focus on paying our bills to keep cash going in the real economy."
Many companies which have been forced to close during the current emergency have donated food to hospital staff across the region.
Russell Hall Hospital in Dudley took delivery of 115 takeaway meals from the Four Ways pub and Island Inn while staff at Sandwell General Hospital were given a range of dishes by the West Bromwich-based Chinese restaurant Cantonese House.
