Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust launch 'Belongings to Loved Ones' service to help patients

The new service is available Monday-Friday between 10:00 and 14:00 at Jubilee wing reception at Leeds General Infirmary and Gledhow wing reception at St James's University Hospital.

Family members just need to arrive at the reception area (no appointment necessary) with a sealed bag (no holdalls / suitcases) clearly marked up with their loved one’s name, date of birth and ward.

A Trust volunteer in a green t-shirt will be on hand to receive the bag, fill out a disclaimer form, and will then deliver to the ward the same day, the Trust said.

Currently, Chapel Allerton Hospital has its own arrangements in place, and the Trust is looking at expanding the service to Wharfedale Hospital.

Suggested belongings include a toiletry bag, comfortable easy to put on clothes including nightwear and underwear, comfort items e.g. photo of family / pets, pillowcase, book, and important items such as glasses or a hearing aid.

Belongings received via this service, including electronic equipment and debit cards, will become the patient’s responsibility, and they will be required to complete a property and valuables disclaimer on the ward.

For more information please visit the website: https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/patients-visitors/patient-and-visitor-information/covid-19-support/belongings/ or telephone 0113 206 4154.

This new service follows the success of ‘Letters to Loved Ones’ which has enabled over 1,200 people to write letters to friends and family who are patients in Leeds hospitals and cannot have any visitors.