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Handmade patchwork quilts have been presented to frontline workers at Maidstone Hospital and Tunbridge Wells Hospital to thank them for all their hard work during the pandemic.

Members of the Facebook group Quilts4Carers donated 20 bed coverings to Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. They were then given to staff, who were chosen at random, working on the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at both hospital sites.

Quilter Nicola Johns, who is a member of the Facebook group, had a personal reason for ensuring MTW NHS Trust received some of the blankets she helped make.

The 51-year-old, from East Sussex, said: “I’ve been cared for by ICU staff at Tunbridge Wells Hospital in the past so I know what an amazing job they do.

“As quilters, the group knows the value of giving and receiving a quilt which has been made with love.

“By making quilts for frontline workers who are working extremely hard to care for others during the pandemic we hope to give them something they can hold onto for support or wrap themselves up in for a hug at times when they maybe struggling themselves.

“It is our way of saying thank you for everything they have done and continue to do, as well as letting them know that they are not on their own.”

Maria Crittenden, Matron ICU at Maidstone Hospital, said: “The quilts are a lovely gesture and the staff who received them are extremely grateful.

“I have no doubt they will help to bring comfort to the exceptional people we employ here at MTW who go above and beyond the call of duty every day to ensure we provide outstanding care to our patients.”

For more details about the group visit Facebook and search for Quilts4Carers.