Chesterfield Royal Hospital is asking for donations of these items to help coronavirus patients

Ward nurses say many patients are struggling without shampoo, body wash, shower gel, toothpaste, hair brushes and shaving equipment because their relatives are unable to visit.

Staff working long shifts, or overnight in unexpected circumstances, are also struggling for these items if they need to use the onsite shower facilities at the Royal.

The hospital’s charity says it is an ‘odd request’ but is asking if any local businesses can provide a few toiletry basics – for both men and women.

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Trust bosses say it will be ‘one less thing for families to worry about’ if they know their loved ones have some dignity and the things they need with them.

Charity director, Ken Godber, said: “This isn’t something we’d ordinarily consider a charitable endeavour.

“However, in these unprecedented circumstances, these simple items will make a huge difference to patient care and staff wellbeing and I would be incredibly grateful if any local business would be kind enough to donate these for our patients and our hardworking, dedicated staff.

“We are asking, for obvious reasons, for boxed and unopened toiletries to help us help out patients and staff.”

If anyone can help, direct message the Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s Facebook page with contact details or email [email protected].

You can also donate direct to the Justgiving page but please mark your donation 'Toiletries'.