Challenging times

It's been an undeniably tough period for the NHS since the start of the new year
At Queen Square, the increase in Covid 19 figures has resulted in some wards at The National Hospital reverting back to Covid-only. However, the majority of these very sick patients are being cared for at UCLH's main site, and this has been frequently reported on by BBC News. 

The National Hospital has stepped up in its role to provide London-wide neurology and neurosurgical support, helping to take in neuro patients from other hospitals across London to create space in their wards for Covid patients. Alongside this, many Queen Square staff have been redeployed once again to UCLH to help support the effort.

As well as her day-to-day role as chief executive, Theresa Dauncey (above) has also been volunteering since the start of the second wave. Initially she assisted when the UCLH Covid vaccination clinic was set up. More recently, Theresa joined the ICU volunteer proning team. This involves a team of six people who regularly go in to help with turning patients on to their front and then a few hours later, on to their back to assist with breathing. Theresa says, "I've met so many other staff from Queen Square also volunteering and it's been a privilege to work with them and all the other clinicians working so hard at UCLH. Working in ICU is cramped, hot and busy. It can be distressing at times, but it's also extremely rewarding work."

Charity of the Year partnership

We're excited to announce that construction and labour supply company the Danny Sullivan Group (DSG) has chosen The National Brain Appeal as their Charity of the Year for 2021! 

Company founder and chairman Danny O’Sullivan (above, with son Tim) had a life-threatening brain haemorrhage from a ruptured aneurysm back in 2017 and The National Hospital saved his life. He spent five months at the hospital in total and had to re-learn how to walk and talk.

Danny’s son and managing director of DSG, Tim O'Sullivan, along with his wife Kacey, have raised over £80,000 for us in recent years and most recently donated £5,000 to the charity’s Emergency Fund for the hospital as the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in April 2020. 

Tim says, “Seeing my father doing so well now is testament to the incredible skill and expertise of the staff at The National Hospital. My family and I are grateful every day for returning him to such good health that he can live and enjoy a normal life. The National Brain Appeal is a charity very close to our hearts and we are delighted to announce a year-long partnership to raise money and awareness for this fantastic charity.”

If you know a company or business that would be interested in partnering with us through our corporate programme, please do get in touch. No matter how small or large the company, we'd love to hear from you!