Patients and visitors at Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH) can now send personal messages of gratitude to a member of staff who has made their day – thanks to a new initiative launched by Milton Keynes Hospital Charity.
My Thank You is a way for the community to express their appreciation for dedicated NHS staff and offers the option to make a charitable donation to further support the charity’s mission: enhancing the care and experience of patients, their families and staff at the hospital.
With just a few clicks on a PC or taps on a mobile, hospital visitors can send heartfelt messages to any staff member, specific team/department, or volunteer. Whether it’s a simple ‘thank you’ or a more personalised message, people can easily brighten the day of those who work tirelessly to serve the community’s healthcare needs.
Vanessa Holmes, Associate Director of Milton Keynes Hospital Charity, said,
“We recognise the profound effect of receiving appreciation. A few words of thanks really do have the power to lift spirits and boost morale for both frontline workers and those behind the scenes.
“We’re thrilled to introduce My Thank You, giving people the opportunity to share special words with individuals, teams, or our wonderful volunteers. Staff members can keep these messages to look back on whenever they like, or even add to staff noticeboards.
“As the hospital’s charity, we support all wards and departments through charitable donations. While it’s optional, people can make monetary contributions using My Thank You to further amplify the impact of their appreciation and help us fund special, over and above items for patients, families or MKUH staff.”
A charity with a big heart
Milton Keynes Hospital Charity is a small charity with a big heart, exemplifying that dedicated support and collaboration can achieve exceptional patient experience outcomes.
It plays a pivotal role as the official charity for Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH), consistently striving to enhance the experiences of patients, families and staff.
Funding makes possible a wide array of impactful projects, as well as helping towards the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical equipment, ranging from essential cot transporters for neonatal babies to vein finder machines, play equipment for children’s wards, comfortable chairs for chemotherapy patients, and tracheostomy training heads – all directly enhancing patient care and comfort.
Additional charitable projects include sensory items for dementia patients, the introduction of Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, and comprehensive refurbishments that transform clinical areas into warm and welcoming spaces.
Year on year, the charity generates an average income of £500,000 by focussing on high impact projects and major appeals that accelerate change. Businesses are key to its recent success – and fundraising efforts have led to a 57% growth in corporate donations, bolstered by successful events such as the Gala Ball and Golf Day, each generating around £60,000.
This has helped build a sustained income base that allows the charity to continue to make a positive difference to over 400,000 people who rely on the hospital’s services every year, as well as over 4,500 staff. That impact is only made possible by the generosity of the charity’s incredible donors, volunteers and supporters, who help bring the mission to life. Vanessa Holmes said:
“As a team we do a lot of fundraising for all wards and departments, but what we do extends beyond this. We also collaborate with MKUH staff on special projects and work closely with our Voluntary Services team to support our growing network of amazing volunteers.
“We organise dedicated appeals for departments and wards, but funds are also allocated where the need is greatest within the hospital. Our supporters can choose how and where their kind donations are spent, too.
“Fundamentally, our impact is fuelled entirely by the generosity of the community. That’s why we’re profoundly grateful for your support, which enables us to continue our vital mission of enhancing patient, family and staff experiences.”
Making a difference Donations may come in to the Neonatal Unit from people like John, to thank the staff who provided exceptional care for their little ones. John said:
“Our twin boys spent three months in the Neonatal Unit in 2007. They both got amazing GCSE grades last summer! We are continually grateful for your care. Thanks so much.”
Or they may wish to give to the charity because they received exceptional care themselves. Joan said:
“My donation to Milton Keynes Hospital Charity is just one small way of expressing my gratitude for the lifesaving treatment I received at Milton Keynes University Hospital. The amount seems very small to me in comparison to the opportunity I have been given to have another go at life.”
Vanessa added:
“It’s important we continue raising funds for all wards and departments, in addition to where the need is greatest. But right now, our goal is to raise £500,000 for a very special wellbeing hub that will be situated in MKUH’s new Radiotherapy Centre.
“This wellbeing facility will offer a safe and peaceful haven for anyone undergoing cancer treatment at the hospital, and for their friends, families, and carers too.”
To access My Thank You visit the website
To donate, take on a fundraising challenge, organise a fundraiser, or if you have a question you’d like to ask, visit the MK Charity website or email fundraising@mkuh.nhs.uk
