HOSPITAL staff across Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust can now feel more 'homely' in their well-earned breaks thanks to IKEA Lakeside donating £3,500 of products.

The home furnishing company wanted to help make a positive impact to staff across Southend, Basildon & Thurrock and Broomfield Hospitals with donations of furniture and a range of kitchen products and turned to Mid and South Essex Hospitals charity to help make it a reality.

Bookcases, coffee tables, side tables, mugs, plates and many other items have now been distributed across the hospital sites and were gratefully received by staff, who have been working tirelessly during the pandemic.

Lucy Thomas-Clayton, director of charities and voluntary services at the Trust, said: "We were really taken aback by the kindness of IKEA in donating all the items for staff kitchens. Taking a break is extremely important for staff at the moment as we have been working long hours wearing PPE, which is a lot hotter and more tiring than normal uniform. Their donation will make a real difference."

Solveiga Spokaite, Local Marketing Manager for IKEA Lakeside in West Thurrock, said: "Since the beginning of the pandemic, we've been committed to supporting our local communities and the vulnerable groups most affected by COVID-19 in any way we could.

"We are really proud that we were able to donate products to our local hospitals during these challenging times and we hope that this small gesture has a positive impact on NHS staff."