Published on 07 April 2020
The University of Sunderland is today supporting a national campaign to showcase all the different ways students and staff are coming together in the coronavirus pandemic.
In the face of unprecedented levels of disruption to public life never before seen in peacetime, universities are doing all they can to contribute to the national effort against the Covid-19 outbreak and the University of Sunderland is no exception.
In just a matter of days, the University has:
*seen 40 qualified nurses sent to frontline NHS hospitals across the North East
*designed and manufactured thousands of coronavirus-proof door openers for businesses across the world
*Donated a fully equipped training ambulance to the North East ambulance Service (NEAS) to assist in saving hundreds of lives
*Loaned an advanced specialist piece of diagnostic equipment for help with testing to a North East hospital trust
*seen hundreds of student volunteers mobilising to help, support and care for vulnerable members of the community
*witnessed staff working on the frontline to look after some of our most vulnerable students
These are just some of the examples of how the University community in Sunderland has come together in support and gratitude at this challenging time.
Universities UK is now highlighting the good work going on at Higher Education institutions across the country as part of its #WeAreTogether campaign.
Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sunderland, said: “In an unprecedented 14 days, the University community has demonstrated solidarity, generosity and ingenuity like never before.
“From nurses now on the frontline of the NHS just days after finishing their studies, to industry experts helping to save lives, the contributions made are nothing short of inspiring.
“In addition, there have been multiple acts of kindness too with students supporting vulnerable members of our society and staff keeping our community connected.
“So in a time of great adversity, the University of Sunderland has risen to the challenge and demonstrated its centrality to the life and work of the city and the region.”