The Walton Centre is getting a touch of the high life as Project Wingman opens a ‘first class lounge’ at the hospital.

Project Wingman is a group of airline crew from across every UK airline, united by their profession and dedication to serving NHS staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. In June, the project is providing a space for Walton staff to unwind, de-compress and destress before, during and after a shift.

Head of Fundraising Madeleine Fletcher said: “I am delighted to count Project Wingman as one of our many supporters. They have provided a massive boost to our staff already and it’s really great to see crew members on site in their full airline uniform supporting NHS staff. We are one of only a few locations in the North West to have Project Wingman on site and we’re honoured to be able to work with them and their volunteer crew.”

Project Wingman Co-founder Emma Henderson said: “We are really excited about partnering with The Walton Centre. It has worked well at other trusts and we’ve been overwhelmed by the high level of gratitude from staff. We wanted to put our skills to good use and it’s amazing to see it happen. NHS staff are working so hard to save lives, it’s the least we can do right now to support them.”

Staff will be able to relax in the pop-up lounge on Jefferson Ward and have a chat and refreshments served by cabin crew from 7am – 7pm seven days a week.

Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Operations and Strategy Jan Ross said: “Project Wingman has already made such a difference to our hard working staff. The First Class Lounge they have set up gives our staff somewhere to go to unwind and relax that is away from the clinical environment. We are bowled over by what Project Wingman has done for The Walton Centre and are so grateful for the difference they’re making and the many hours they are volunteering to support the NHS frontline.”

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