THE PRINCE OF WALES TO VISIT THE ROYAL BERKSHIRE HOSPITAL FIVE YEARS ON FROM THE START OF THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Reading, Berkshire

Wednesday 5th March 2025

The Prince of Wales, Patron of NHS Charities Together, will visit the Royal Berkshire Hospital to see the impact of funds provided by the charity since the coronavirus pandemic. The visit marks five years since the start of the pandemic and will highlight the work of the charity which continues to help NHS staff, patients and local communities across the country.

NHS Charities Together launched the Urgent Covid-19 Appeal in March 2020, raising over £15 million in the first five days and going on to raise over £160 million to support patients, hospital staff, and volunteers at the frontline of the crisis. Reaching every corner of the UK, funds helped nearly two thirds of NHS staff including via counselling, rest areas, and projects in the community. Over 90% of these projects are continuing to have long lasting impact, including through the Oasis Health and Wellbeing Centre and Garden at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust also went on to develop one of the UK’s first Long Covid Clinics, part funded by NHS Charities Together.

During his visit, the Prince will tour the Health and Wellbeing Centre and Garden, which provides a range of activities and services to promote staff health and well-being, including a free gym, wellbeing classes, and a green space for relaxation. His Royal Highness will meet staff who benefit from the new space and the services it provides, as well as some who were working at the hospital during the pandemic. Reviews have shown that the centre has significantly boosted staff morale, with the trust receiving very high ratings nationally for staff wellbeing.

The Royal Berkshire Hospital was significantly affected by the coronavirus pandemic, and tragically, the first patient to die of Covid-19 in the UK died at the Royal Berkshire in March 2020. The Trust also lost two members of staff during the crisis, Dr Peter Tun and Nurse Julie Edward. Two trees are now planted in the Oasis Centre garden in their memory.

The Prince and Princess of Wales became Royal Patrons for NHS Charities Together in December 2020 and previously visited the Royal Berkshire Hospital in the same month.