Hospital chief urges community to respect social distancing following complaints over “Clap for Carers” event

WARRINGTON Hospital’s Chief Executive Simon Constable has urged members of the community to respect all aspects of social distancing following a large number of complaints over “clap for carers” activities outside the hospital last night.

Postal workers joined other key workers and members of the public in large numbers outside the front of the hospital, to show support for NHS workers.
The event was captured on video and shared on facebook resulting in a public outcry from local residents.
Matt Bailey, who has raised the issue with his local MP, said: “It’s a Coronavirus hotspot. I can’t sit on a park bench, but they can go to the general for a knees up? Look at us all queue to go the supermarket and then this lunacy!
“I’m grateful to Royal Mail for all their services and employees.I’m grateful for all our key workers and care workers. That’s why I clap from the safety of my home.
Social media has been inundated with complaints from local residents who are self-isolating at home, while continuing to show support for NHS and key workers from their front door steps.
The original video posted on facebook has since been removed but a copy of it is still in circulation. Comments included:

“That is ridiculous why are the police not stopping that?
“I understand people want to show there support but not keeping to social distancing means the lockdown will go on forever!

“So let me get this straight, I’ve not seen any of my family for 7 weeks yet it’s perfectly fine for large crowds to gather and ignore social distancing rules?”

I’ve wondered this for weeks now, how is it right that people are gathering at the hospital, where most of the people who catch covid 19 are being treated and standing so close together?? I’m all for supporting the NHS but do it from your own home if you find it hard to keep 2m apart from someone.”

Commenting on the complaints Hospital Chief Executive Professor Simon Constable, said: “Clap for Carers has become a valued weekly event for members of the public to thank NHS workers. It is also a way for us to acknowledge the amazing support we receive from the community in many ways which is so important for the mental health, wellbeing and resilience of us all.
“As well as the emergency services, this week we were joined by the postal workers who were paying tribute to the staff who looked after one of their colleagues who was recently discharged from hospital. Several families whose loved ones have been treated with us, or are currently receiving care at the hospital, were also in attendance.
“Our staff are well versed in social distancing which has become a feature of our daily lives. They try to lead by example along with the emergency services and postal workers, following the rules when marking the Clap for Carers event.
“We would reiterate to all the members of our local community to respect social distancing in all aspects of their daily life, including clap for carers, and to continue to follow the government’s advice.
“We also thank them for their continued support, which is very much appreciated.”

Warrington South MP Andy Carter, who had been contacted by constituents added:”I’ve spoken with the hospital management this morning and I know that the tribute by postal workers, as a thank you for the care that nurses and doctors gave to one of their colleagues, was greatly appreciated by hospital staff.
“I’d simply say to everyone that staying at home is the best way we can beat this virus, don’t make journeys that aren’t necessary and if you have to go out, social distancing is one of the most important things to follow, to stop the spread of this terrible disease.
“Standing on my doorstep last night, with my family and hearing the noise from every corner of the surrounding streets makes me realise how fortunate we are to have brilliant carers who have done so much to help those suffering.
“We’ve past the peak, but we need to beat this virus so it doesn’t return with even greater ferocity.”