Emergency department staff at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital have been celebrated for their dedication and hard work as part of the UK’s first-ever A&E Appreciation Week.
This week-long initiative was launched by volunteer organisation Rapid Relief Team (RRT) and saw volunteers visit hospitals across the country, including the Royal Liverpool. The aim was to thank frontline emergency staff with coffee, cake, and a well-earned break.
Over the course of the week, RRT hosted 115 events in A&Es nationwide, serving more than 9,000 coffees and cakes. In Merseyside, the charity visited several hospitals, including Arrowe Park, Whiston, Countess of Chester, and Aintree.
At the Royal Liverpool, volunteers ran two events for staff, serving around 200 refreshments at each. The gatherings gave doctors, nurses, and hospital staff a rare chance to pause, chat with colleagues, and recharge amid their busy shifts.
Ian Thewlis, RRT’s local team leader, said:
“Our volunteers have really enjoyed visiting Royal Liverpool University
Hospital to thank the incredible A&E staff for everything they do, day in day out. It was great to see the smiles on their faces when they found us set up ready to serve them with some treats – which is exactly why we were there.”
The charity is now calling for A&E Appreciation Week to become an annual event, ensuring frontline emergency workers receive regular recognition for their vital contribution to the NHS.
“Through A&E Appreciation Week, we wanted to give something back – even in a small way – to show our gratitude and remind them that their work doesn’t go unnoticed,” added Mr Thewlis.
RRT, a volunteer-led organisation from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, has supported the UK’s healthcare system for more than a decade with welfare events and community outreach. You can find out more about the work they do across the UK, and globally, at Our Purpose – Rapid Relief Team.
