RESIDENTS in Thurrock and the wider region are being invited to help keep staff at Basildon and Thurrock Hospital safe by making a donation.

The hospital, which recently merged with hospitals in Chelmsford and Southend to form the Mid and South Essex Hospitals Foundation Trust, has a charity arm which has launched a Just Giving Page - which has already raised more than £6,000.

A statement from the charity says: "We have been inundated with support from the community which is heart warming to see. Your donation will aid the well-being of staff through this difficult time and provide vital equipment needed to support our patients."

As well as the direct Just Giving page the hospitals have been inundated with support from individuals and groups.

This past week a collection of Easter Eggs organised by the Purfleet-based Ensign Bus Company, together with a host of special tributes and drawings from Thurrock children was delivered to Basildon Hospital.

The gifts were warmly welcomed and the charity said:"Thank you so so much to everyone at EnsignBusCo who donated Easter eggs and pictures for our NHS staff.

The children's pictures have been posted around the hospital.

Meanwhile the charity says: "We cannot say thank you enough to those reaching out in these challenging times to make a difference in our community.

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"Please keep an eye on our social media for continued updates.