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Up to 40 members of frontline staff and management in University Hospital Kerry (UHK) took part in a video message that thanks the people of Kerry for their continued support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The video, which is available to view on the hospital’s social media; Facebook and Twitter, was recorded on the front lawns of UHK and features the hospital team with the simple message of ‘We Hear You’.

“Staff and Management at UHK wanted to say thank you to the people and businesses of Kerry, near and far, who have been incredibly supportive and generous over the past number of weeks,” Fearghal Grimes, General Manager of University Hospital Kerry, said.

“We wanted also to extend our heartfelt thanks to Kerry residents across the county for staying home – we know it takes mammoth effort especially during this beautiful weather. We are urging you to continue to do this so that here at the hospital, we have sufficient capacity to give every patient the level of resource they need to recover. Your amazing efforts to date have undoubtedly meant that a lower than expected number of people have presented at the hospital with COVID-19 symptoms. We ask that you continue to observe HSE guidelines concerning social distancing and self-isolation.”

He added that the UHK team have been incredible during this crisis, making significant sacrifices to be at the frontline day in day out.

“While we are facing significant challenges and testing times in the Health Service, it is incredibly uplifting to know that the people of Kerry are there to support us. Whether it is a donation of PPE or provisions for the team, or even a simple postcard with a message of support, it means so much to us and helps us get through the day. We have been overwhelmed with the kind gifts and messages of support from the community, and we wanted to just say ‘Thank You, We Hear You’.”