The visits took place on Tuesday 13 October at DRI and Thursday 15 October at Bassetlaw Hospital during RRT’s A&E Appreciation Week, which sees volunteers visit hospitals across the country to offer refreshments and show their appreciation for the people caring for patients.
Building on their visit last year, RRT’s latest show of support continues a positive relationship with the Trust. Volunteers have also supported a litter pick at DRI in March and the opening of urgent care facilities at Bassetlaw Hospital in December 2025.
RRT, made up of members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, provides practical support to emergency services, charities and communities in need. Its A&E Appreciation Week campaign is designed to give healthcare teams a morale boost ahead of the busy winter period.
As part of the visits, DBTH colleagues were also offered flu vaccinations to help protect themselves and the patients in their care. Around 1,300 colleagues have now received their flu vaccination through the Trust’s annual programme, supporting efforts to reduce the impact of seasonal illness and maintain safe services over winter.
Flu can cause serious illness, particularly in older people, those with certain long-term health conditions and people who are already unwell. Vaccination helps reduce the risk of serious illness and contributes to protecting vulnerable patients, alongside other infection prevention measures.
Dr Chris Carson, Divisional Director for Urgent and Emergency Care at DBTH, said: “We are very grateful to RRT for returning to support our colleagues at Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Bassetlaw Hospital. Gestures like this mean a great deal to our emergency teams, who work tirelessly to care for patients, often during particularly busy and challenging periods.
“I would also like to thank all our colleagues who have taken up their flu vaccination this year. Getting vaccinated is an important way to help protect ourselves and those around us, including patients who may be more vulnerable to serious illness. By taking this step, our colleagues are helping to reduce the risk of flu spreading and supporting our efforts to provide safe care throughout the winter.”
Rod Paterson, Local Team Leader for RRT, said: “We’re delighted to have supported DBTH again as part of our A&E Appreciation Week campaign, which has seen more than 100 events taking place at hospitals across the country.
“We organise the campaign ahead of the busy winter period, when healthcare teams face some of their most challenging months, to offer a timely morale boost and show our appreciation for the incredible work they do.
“It’s something we look forward to each year. We enjoy taking the time to recognise the dedication of these hard-working teams and help ensure they know how much they are valued
and appreciated by their communities.”
The Trust is also encouraging local people to choose the right NHS service for their needs this winter. Community pharmacies can provide advice and treatment for certain common conditions through Pharmacy First, while NHS 111 is available online and by phone for people who are unsure where to seek help. Emergency Departments remain available for serious and life-threatening conditions.
