For last Saturday's Valentine's Day the Engagement Team on Ward 5 at HRI led a thoughtful initiative to bring warmth and kindness to their patients.

Engagement and Care Support Workers, Marek Rathbone-Kwiecien and Nicola Wrigley, coordinated a ward-wide effort to ensure that every single patient received a personalised Valentine’s card and gift. Recognising that being in hospital during Valentine's Day could heighten feelings of loneliness or isolation, the team were determined that no patient would feel forgotten.

Handmade cards featuring red hearts and inclusive Pride messages were carefully prepared, alongside individually wrapped gift bags. Each item was distributed personally, allowing time for meaningful conversation, reassurance and engagement.

Patients responded warmly to the gesture, with many expressing appreciation for the kindness shown. For some, it was an unexpected moment of joy during their time on the ward and for others, it was a reminder that compassionate care extends far beyond clinical treatment.

This initiative reflects Ward 5’s continued commitment to emotional wellbeing alongside physical health, delivering person-centred care and embedding our Trust values into everyday practice.