A HOSPITAL boss has thanked the public for their generous donations and said the 50-strong luxury motorhome village will be "worth its weight in gold".

Last week vehicle rental company Priory Rentals, of Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, lent to the campervans to Royal Blackburn Hospital so key medical staff can stay on site during the coronavirus outbreak.

Then Bolton civil engineers AE Yates Ltd installed a new water tank on the car park, Blackburn’s Star Tissue and the The Black Dog pub on Union Road in Oswaldtwistle supplied toilet roll and kitchen towels while a Ribble Valley community group provided tea and coffee.

In a blog, East Lancashire Hospital Trust deputy chief executive Martin Hodgson thanked all involved in that initiative and also praised other members of the public for donating other items, including Easter Eggs, a coffee machine and microwaves.

Also praising everyone who took part in Clap for Carers last Thursday, Mr Hodgson encouraged other to make donations to support the Trust's "wonderful staff".

Mr Hodgson said: "There have been many examples of us as a Trust receiving gifts and support for staff from our local community. We’ve had Easter eggs, chocolates, cakes, KFC, fruit and today, hand cream, to name just a few. But we’ve also had 50 luxury motor homes, two microwaves and a coffee machine with 600 pods.

"This week, the motor homes will be worth their weight in gold as they accommodate our hard working staff who cannot go home to their families and loved ones, enabling them to keep working but stay in comfort, right on our doorstep.

"If you’re reading this and wondering how you can support your local hospitals and our wonderful staff – look no further than our own charity, ELHT&Me. We can take delivery of a range of goods that will help our staff enormously in these difficult times. This must be arranged in advance through the charity , as access to our hospitals is now severely restricted to reflect government guidance on reducing people’s movement and social distancing. Of course, you may wish to donate cash and this is also most welcome. Go to www.elht.nhs.uk/charity for more information on how you can help."

He continued: "These are very challenging times, and working in them is demanding and stressful. Your safety, health and wellbeing really matters to us. I hope that some of the measures we have taken have made things a little easier – free food, free parking and some staff support, as well as the aforementioned gifts and support from our communities.

"However, I am delighted that our spiritual care team are also on hand to provide an additional supportive resource if you need it. The spiritual care centre will also be open during the day for staff to attend if they want, for quiet reflection, conversation and if required, a little prayer."