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North Lincolnshire-based port supports those in need during challenging time

Business
11:21, Friday, 22nd May 2020

PD Ports, owner and operator of Groveport, which have a port in Keadby, has pledged funds to the Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust’s charity, The Health Tree Foundation, to provide tablets to patients so they can remain close to their loved ones whilst in hospital.

Across Northern Lincolnshire and Goole, 15 tablets have been distributed to hospitals in Scunthorpe, Grimsby and Goole.

In addition, for a minimum of the next two months, funds allocated to the port operator’s employee giving programme will be diverted to local NHS trusts and food banks to help those in most need.

Kirsten Donkin, Head of PR, Marketing and Communications at PD Ports said:

“We received overwhelming support from our employees when we discussed donating the proceeds for our employee assistance programme to local communities, initiatives and NHS trusts.

“I’m delighted that The Health Tree Foundation will now be able to purchase 15 tablets to offer support and comfort to their patients when they need it the most.

“The ability to communicate with loved ones will undoubtedly have a profound impact on patients that have been forced to spend time alone in hospital due to Covid-19.”

Neil Gammon, Non-Executive Director of the Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Foundation Trust and Chair of their Health Tree Foundation Trustee’s Committee, said:

“It means so much to our patients, staff and volunteers in our trust, as well as families and friends of those in hospital, that we can count on the generosity of local businesses like PD Ports in times such as these.

“Patient experiences will be considerably enhanced by PD Ports’ kind donation; these devices will bring smiles to the faces of many, young and old, and everyone at PD Ports should be extremely proud of the difference they have made to the local NHS hospitals in Scunthorpe, Goole and Grimsby.”

PD Ports also contacted The Forge Project in Scunthorpe to understand how the pandemic has impacted the community and what extra support they are offering to homeless people.

The Forge Project is delivering a hot meal for people who have been placed in emergency accommodation, as well as delivering welfare packs including hygiene products, essential clothing, laundry and activity packs.

To support this service, PD Ports donated £1,000 to go towards the provision of hot meals and welfare packs.