There has been a monumental effort from those working at Network Rail not just to keep the railways maintained and moving, but to keep the communities they serve as safe as possible.
Stations have been decorated in rainbows and rail landmarks have been lit blue in solidarity with the rest of the nation during the coronavirus pandemic.
Away from the tracks staff have produced and donated thousands of PPE to keep frontline workers safe, collected and distributed food parcels, and even helped equip hospitals.
To highlight the amazing efforts railbusinessdaily.com has put together a special feature with just a few of those who have and continue to make a huge difference to people up and down the country.
Providing logistics expertise for NHS Nightingale Hospital North West
Dozens of volunteers with specialisms in supply chain and logistics worked with the Army Reserve and NHS to get NHS Nightingale North West in Manchester ready.
The volunteers helped unload, move and build hospital beds, read for the arrival of the first coronavirus patients.
Martin Frobisher, Network Rail group safety, technical and engineering director, said: “The NHS Nightingale Hospital North West has been a brilliant project. The pace and the energy has been fantastic. Everyone has worked together to meet the deadlines and I’m delighted that Network Rail has been able to help the NHS.
“We have provided warehousing, lorries and logistical support. We also provided teams of people to assemble the hospital equipment. I’m very proud of the Network Rail people who volunteered with this vitally important project.”
Face visors for staff at Derby Hospital and care homes
Level crossing manager Val Stephenson is among an army of volunteers who helped make 3,500 face visors for staff at Derby Hospital.
She said: “I wanted to do my bit in the community to support vulnerable people. We have a great team of volunteers who make up the Hartshorne Helpers, and I enjoy helping those who can’t get out.
“We wanted to support the amazing work done by NHS staff at Derby Hospital and in local care homes. I’ve quickly learnt how to put the face visors together, which will also provide extra protection at the new Swadlincote assessment centre.
“It’s great to see people across Network Rail getting involved to support the NHS during these challenging times.”
Using a 3D printer to create vital PPE for care workers in Cumbria
Railway signaller Gary Knight and his wife Anita have produced over 1,500 visors for care workers.
The frame for the visor is created on the 3D printer. Gary and Anita then attach a clear plastic sheet to create the protective screen.
Gary said: “I first got into 3D printing about three years ago. Usually, I 3D print radio control model planes which is my hobby.
“I started making visors when I watched a news report about people in care homes dying from coronavirus and finding out the staff didn’t have enough PPE.
“I knew I could do something to help that would be simple but effective.”
iPads donated to hospitals in Worcestershire and Manchester
Stephanie Hart, infrastructure services senior analyst, Technical Operations, organised the donation and delivery of iPads to Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and NHS Nightingale North West.
She said: “I had heard heart-breaking stories from people who work in hospitals that there are people in Intensive Care and can’t have their family around them.
“I heard that hospital staff had been bringing in their own iPads to allow patients to see their relatives, and I knew that IT Services still had some that were left over from a project three years ago.
“After checking with colleagues in Network Rail Telecoms, it was agreed that these devices could be donated to hospitals to enable isolated patients to have that much needed contact with their loved ones.
“When I heard about Network Rail’s involvement with NHS Nightingale North West, I was able to source some more surplus devices from within the business and they’ve been gratefully received.”
Safety glasses and body suits helping to protect hospital staff in Northumbria
Members of the operation’s team in Newcastle, worked together to supply spare PPE and delivered 44 pairs of high-quality safety glasses and 60 bodysuits to be delivered to Hexham General Hospital.
Signaller Jamie Seaton’s wife Laura works as a nurse practitioner at Hexham General Hospital and he approached colleagues’ local operations manager, Chris Thomas operations manager, Mick Hodgson, and mobile operations manager, Craig Jackson.
Chris Thomas, Local Operations Manager for Network Rail, said: “I’m so proud that my team and I could act quickly to deliver this vital equipment to where it is needed during these challenging times.
“Staff at Hexham General Hospital have thanked us and it’s great to know the equipment is being used by the amazing frontline workers in our local area.
“As we continue to work hard to keep the railway running, it’s great to see so many people across Network Rail getting involved and showing their support for the NHS.”
Volunteering as NHS responders to help the vulnerable
Mike Fallows is among many from Network Rail volunteering for the NHS Volunteer Responder Scheme.
The senior engineer has helped donate PPE to hospitals across the country as well as talking to those who feel lonely, as well picking up shopping and prescriptions. He’s spent over 550 hours volunteering for the NHS.
He said: “I wanted to support the NHS and the amazing work they do as much as possible, both in my local area and nationally. I know some people are struggling during these challenging times.
“As a Volunteer Responder, one day I could be talking to someone who is feeling lonely and the next I could be out collecting prescriptions. I am enjoying chatting to a range of different people and checking whether they need anything.
“I’m so proud to work on the railway and help to keep vital services running. Our teams at Network Rail worked hard to get this PPE to hospitals across the country to help save lives.”
Donation of PPE to school so children with additional needs can continue education
Mobile operations manager Malcolm Tait donated spare PPE to Collingwood School in Morpeth so that vital education can continue during the pandemic.
As well as working on the railway, Malcolm wanted to support children with additional needs who are continuing to attend school throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
Over 200 PPE items to the school, including gloves and hand sanitiser have been donated.
Malcolm said: “The staff at Collingwood School and Media Arts College are doing an amazing job to keep it open for students who need specialist support during these challenging times.
“I’ve seen the hard work from teams across Network Rail to provide PPE for frontline NHS workers, and I suggested donating items to Collingwood School, so the students can safely continue with their lessons in an environment that they are familiar with.
“I’m proud of my colleagues at Network Rail for helping me gather the spare PPE so it could be taken to where it is needed.”
Photo credit: Network Rail
