Nurses have been taking delivery of free hand cream, supplied thanks to a charitable initiative launched by Liverpool Hope University.
And the scheme is so far helping nine different units across six hospitals in the city.
The project was launched earlier this month in response to the ongoing Coronavirus crisis.
Frontline NHS staff are constantly washing their hands to stop the spread of the disease, stripping the skin of protective oils and causing it to crack and bleed.
Co-organiser Fiona Hough, a former ITU and A&E nurse who works in the External Relations department at Hope, called for £4 donations from the public, which could be used to purchase hand lotion.
And after receiving almost £3,000 in donations so far, nurses are now receiving the first batches of the soothing product that have been ordered.
Fiona says: “We never anticipated the scheme would be as successful as it has been, so we thank everyone who’s taken the time to donate.
“And it’s been very satisfying indeed to see the photos coming through of nurses posing with the first few batches of hand cream that have been shipped out.
“Nurses and other NHS frontline staff are working heroically to keep us all safe during these testing times, and our small gesture is simply the least we can do to help make their lives more comfortable.”
One photo shows staff on the Critical Care Ward at the Royal Liverpool Hospital, while another shows grateful staff on the Royal’s A&E department.
Meanwhile other hospitals due to receive hand cream packages are Alder Hey, Aintree University Hospital, Whiston Hospital, Liverpool Women’s Hospital and The Walton Centre.
Fiona adds: “We hope to expand the scheme further as time progresses, so we’re open to any suggestions as to where there might be a need for hand cream.
“Hope, as a University, is committed to giving something back to the community in which we operate, and it’s vital we support our selfless NHS workers at this time.”
The initiative - which was featured in The Big Issue magazine this week - comes thanks to a partnership with Body Shop At Home, who are supplying the hand cream.
Lisa Mottram, Data Analyst at Hope and who’s also part of the donation project, says Body Shop At Home is waiving any commission, and instead putting it back into the donation pot.
She adds: “It’s been quite emotional seeing the project finally coming to fruition and we’re delighted the hand cream is now making its way to these vital wards.”
To donate, head here: