VIRGIN Atlantic cabin crew have landed in Bolton to offer their help in supporting patients during the pandemic.

The crew were flown in to Royal Bolton Hospital to care for patients as visiting restrictions remain in place in the fight against coronavirus.

The crew completed their induction and training last week, with eight members joining the ward teams as health care assistants or a patient liaison role. They will act as a link between patients and their families and friends providing updates and passing on messages.

Katie Mainwaring, a member of the cabin crew, will be working on the orthopaedic wards.

She said: “My mum was in hospital during the first lockdown last year so I fully understand the importance of good communication. It was difficult because we obviously wanted to know how our mum was doing but we were conscious that we didn’t want to mither the staff when they’re so busy.

“I’m really pleased that I can put my time to good use and I’m hoping I can help with all the little things that make a big difference.”

Kim Ashcroft, Ward Manager on G3, is looking forward to welcoming the members of the crew.

She said: "Having an extra pair of hands will provide additional support to everyone: patients, relatives and staff. They’ll be able to spend time getting to know the patients and fill the role that the visitors usually play.

“Helping to set up video call appointments between patients and relatives, and organising activities for the patients to do on the wards will really add to the patient experience. Increased social interaction can reduce delirium too and just having someone to speak to will really boost morale.”

Francesca Grundy, a flight service manager at Virgin Atlantic and has been flying for 30 years. She said: “When I was growing up I always wanted to be either cabin crew or a nurse so this will give me a small insight into what a nursing career could have been like. We’ve all needed the NHS at some point in our lives so I’m really grateful to have this opportunity to give something back.

“We were told on our training how difficult the situation has been with patients not being allowed visitors so I’m hoping I can help make people feel better about the situation they’re in just by talking to them and helping them to speak with their relatives.”

The Trust said it is very happy to welcome this support from the Virgin Atlantic team, which builds on the volunteer work it has been doing with other organisations, primarily the Bolton Council of Mosques and the Army.