AN IRISH woman is helping care home residents and hospital patients stay connected with loved ones.
Yvonne Mullen, from Louth, has been raising money to buy mobile phones for the elderly and vulnerable either in hospital or cocooning at home during the pandemic.
The Arthur’s Phone fundraising initiative was created after one of her friend's mothers was left without a way to contact friends and family while in hospital last month.
Unable to see visitors given the current situation, she was left isolated for large spells as a result.
After speaking to a friend and nurse from Louth Hospital, Yvonne discovered that staff have been using their personal phones to help patients stay in touch with friends and family over Facetime.
That didn't seem right to her.
Inspired to take action, Yvonne set up an online fundraising, encouraging people to provide funding and donate unused mobile phones for use in care homes and hospitals.
It’s not just the elderly and infirm who are making the most of the brilliant scheme either.
At Musgrave Hospital in Belfast, Yvonne’s scheme meant a brave little girl was able to keep in contact with friends and family over Facetime.
Bringing families together during incredibly difficult times, the Louth native's work is providing a major boost to countless patients and families from across the entire island of Ireland.
On top of that, it’s giving a massive lift to the incredible staff working day and night at hospitals, care homes and other healthcare settings.
If you would like to donate to Yvonne’s initiative, follow the link here.
