Did you know: As an NHS staff member, you can have a direct impact on patient care and experience in County Durham and Darlington? 

Thanks to the Where We Need It Most campaign, you can apply for charity funds for projects in your ward or department that can help you to enhance patient care and wellbeing. 

Read on to find out more…

No one knows our patients better than YOU, the incredible NHS staff who support them. 

You have the experience, skills and knowledge to identify changes that can have a positive impact on patient experience. 

Whether it’s a hydro pool changing room that needs refurbishment, or a gloomy reception area that could do with an uplifting wall mural, you will know what’s needed to improve your ward or department. 

This is where County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Charity comes in.

Your NHS Charity supports County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, which includes the Trust's main hospitals: 

  • Durham     
  • Chester-le-Street
  • Darlington     
  • Shotley Bridge 
  • Bishop Auckland     
  • Weardale
  • Sedgefield     
  • Barnard Castle (Richardson Community Hospital)

The charity provides funding for projects that enhance patient care and experience across hospital and community services. 

With our Where We Need It Most campaign, we encourage all our staff from all our hospitals, to submit funding applications to use the charity funds to improve patient experience.

In 2023 we provided over £500,000 worth of improvements and we’re keen to hear what your patients need the most.

We want to hear all your ideas. All projects that can benefit patient experience will be considered, particularly projects that can’t be funded via other sources.

This includes: 

  • Equipment (both medical and non-medical)
  • Furnishings
  • Refurbishments for patient and staff space

You can also apply for funding for training

If it will enable improvement to:

  • Patient care
  • Patient experience
  • Or staff well-being

From purchasing equipment, investing in improving your working environment, patient facilities or training, our charity is here to provide funding where you need it most. All you need to do is apply. Guidance on how to apply for funding for your ward is available on the Staff Intranet.

Other ways to support your charity

The best way you can help the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Charity to continue to grow, is to get involved. 

There are many ways to support the work we do, from payroll giving, engaging in organised events to promoting fundraising initiatives among your friends, families, patients and families of patients.

Consider the following ways to demonstrate your backing

  • Inform patients and their families interested in giving back about our website or request our newsletter.
  • Embark on a challenging event—check our events page for options.
  • Extend the message to our local community, including nearby businesses.
  • Display the charity brand proudly, we can supply branded information for your ward or department.
  • Join payroll giving from as little as £2 per month (don’t forget to add your gift aid too)

Tell us your ideas and apply for funding today

Applying for funding from County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Charity couldn’t be easier: simply fill in the application form detailing your ideas via our online intranet form.

Your ideas can make a long-term difference to patients, and we look forward to hearing from you!

If you have any questions about the Where We Need It Most campaign, funding or County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Charity, please get in touch.