Partnering for Care: How RRT Supports Queen Alexandra Hospital
On the morning of September 25th, the Rapid Relief Team (RRT) volunteers from Portsmouth donated 5 RRT Foodboxes to the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham. RRT volunteers had previously met with Liz Rix (MBE) and some of her team, having been introduced by Penny Mordaunt (former Portsmouth North MP), to discuss ways RRT can support the hospital and its staff.
The Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, provides essential healthcare services to the local community. The Rapid Relief Team (RRT) aims to support them with the hospital’s patient discharge process, as many patients cannot be discharged generally due to a lack of support from relations or friendly neighbours who can help with groceries. This often results in patients remaining in hospital beds, contributing to capacity issues.
To help address this, RRT stepped in where Portsmouth City Council and the Red Cross have provided food boxes for those discharged without support, but only within the city. Hampshire residents, however, are not covered by the council, leaving a gap in assistance. RRT is now filling that gap, ensuring patients in need receive food boxes to sustain them for a few days after returning home, helping them settle into their routine and freeing up hospital beds.
Earlier this year, on April 5th, RRT Portsmouth also provided 10 RRT Care Kits to the Emergency Department. The RRT Care Kit gifts essential personal care products, including Aloe Vera Lotion, Aloe Vera Lip Balm, Aloe Vera Cleansing Wipes, A Pocket Comb, Nail Buffer, Toothbrush & Toothpaste, packed into a washbag for ease of transport. They are designed to help people in crisis, helping them care for themselves and giving them the courage to move forward. Following its success, additional Care Kits are being ordered for the hospital’s wards.
RRT is proud to partner with Queen Alexandra Hospital to enhance patient care and assist staff in managing increasing demands. Through donations of food boxes and Care Kits, RRT remains committed to supporting the healthcare teams who work tirelessly for the Portsmouth community.
