Project Wingman airline crew lands at Edinburgh’s Sick Kids Hospital to boost staff wellbeing

Project Wingman is a group of airline staff who are volunteering at UK hospitals while furloughed or grounded because of the pandemic. They are offering NHS workers the chance to relax and unwind in a lounge setting similar to what first-class passengers enjoy at airports.

In addition to visits to Edinburgh’s Royal Infirmary, the crew has landed at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (RHSC) where they will visit the Staff Wellbeing Lounge every week for ‘Wingman Wednesdays’.

Over a 12-hour shift, the volunteers will provide a relaxing environment, treating staff to refreshments, snacks and friendly conversation.

The Project Wingman visits have been made possible through essential funding from Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC), which supports and complements the work of the RHSC.

Roslyn Neely, CEO of ECHC, said: “We are thrilled that the amazing crew from Project Wingman have now landed at the hospital and will be visiting our Wellbeing Lounge every Wednesday.

“The NHS heroes of the Sick Kids are working incredibly hard to provide first class care for children, young people and their families during this difficult time. Now more than ever we need to look after those who look after us so it’s wonderful that the aircrew volunteers are giving the hospital teams the ‘first-class lounge’ experience that they so deserve.

“This is an amazing initiative and we would like to say a huge thank you to all the Project Wingman volunteers for so generously giving up their time to support frontline workers and for helping them to relax and unwind when they need it most.”

The Edinburgh hospital visits are run and managed by Captain Paul Singleton, a pilot who has experienced the vital work of the RHSC staff first hand.

Paul said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Project Wingman was able to extend our reach into the wonderful Edinburgh Sick Kids Hospital.

“My boy had a major operation at the Sick Kids and the care he received undoubtedly saved his life. When you are touched by our wonderful NHS, you never forget it. It’s a debt of gratitude I’m happy to repay.

“Our volunteers are delighted to bring our First Class Lounge experience to the world class staff at the Sick Kids. “Wingman Wednesdays” will be a lovely way to say thank you to our NHS heroes.”

Project Wingman is just one of a number of things that ECHC is funding to support hospital staff wellbeing during the pandemic. The charity has created the Staff Wellbeing Lounge at the RHSC and is distributing Wellbeing Boxes, filled with treats and pick-me-ups – to teams at the hospital as well as other healthcare settings across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

The charity is running a COVID-19 Emergency Appeal to support children, families and staff through the pandemic. Donations can be made online here.