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“Wellbee” back at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

The Project Wingman bus has returned to both Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells hospitals offering offer NHS staff first class airline treatment in a luxury space where they can rest and recharge but this time it’s sporting a brand-new look.

Affectionately known as Wellbee, the bus has been touring the country offering other NHS trusts the opportunity to experience the service. It’s been given a new coat of paint and an interior upgrade since its last visit back in December thanks to the crowd funding initiative ’Wingman Wheels Appeal’ which aimed to make the bus look just as good as the first-class service on offer.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust Charitable Fund funded the return of the Wingman bus to Maidstone Hospital, where it was available to staff from Thursday 14 until Sunday 18 April. It has now made its way to Tunbridge Wells Hospital where it will be based from Monday 19 to Sunday 25 April, ensuring staff at both sites have the opportunity to enjoy a break from work and receive food and refreshments.

Sue Steen, Chief People Officer for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, said: “The Project Wingman team have provided fantastic support for our staff during the ongoing pandemic, providing them with additional breakout space so they can take their very much needed breaks.

“We are delighted to welcome Wellbee back to our hospitals, with a brand-new design and lovely interior that I’m sure staff will enjoy being able to relax in.”

Captain Rich Griffin, Project Wingman Mobile Lounge Lead, said: “I am incredibly proud to see our first mobile lounge return to both Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells hospitals. MTW has been incredibly supportive of the Project Wingman well-being charity – from the creation of a static lounge area, to the first test run of the Wingman bus in late 2020. To see Wellbee being enjoyed by so many hospital staff all over the country is genuinely heart-warming.”

For more information contact Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust’s Communications Team on 01622 228658 or email mtw-tr.communications@nhs.net