The Royal Orthopaedic Charity (ROC) launched a Hardship Fund in Spring 2023 to support both staff and patients experiencing urgent financial hardship, offering one-off grants of up to £500.

The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital has an incredible reputation for providing the very best care to patients. The Trust consistently scores among the highest for patient satisfaction, and ROC believe this is due to putting patients and staff at the heart of what we do. ROC believe that if our team is thriving, they will deliver the best care to our patients.

ROC were pleased to create and implement such a meaningful initiative to give immediate and urgent support to ROH patients nationwide, as well as colleagues at the ROH.

Since the launch of this initiative, over £12,000 has been awarded to both staff and patients to support with food expenses, household bills, travel, accommodation and basic needs.

Each application is evaluated by panellists from across the Trust, all who are unaware of the applicants’ personal details.

ROC is committed to supporting those in need, beyond providing the immediate financial assistance.

Upon receiving each application and while the application is under review, the Charity provide a cost-of-living booklet to help applicants navigate their financial challenges.

Furthermore, regardless of the application’s outcome, the Charity ensure that applicants receive additional support tailored to their specific circumstances. This might include information on anything from free children’s activities to contacts details of organisations who can support, to Citizens Advice.

ROC’s goal is to provide sustainable and meaningful support to everyone they assist.

To find out more about this initiative or to make an application, email roc@nhs.net .