Prince Harry's video call with nurse who works with poorly Derbyshire children
The Duke of Sussex said he had 'full respect' for all nurses
Noah Martin
A nurse caring for poorly Derbyshire children had a video call with Prince Harry to highlight the difficulties facing families caring for children at home.
Rachel Gregory, a long-term ventilation nurse specialist at Nottingham Children's Hospital, took part in the call 30-minute long video call alongside families.
During the call, supported by the children's charity WellChild, Mrs Gregory explained the challenges faced by families who care for ill children, particularly those who need external care support.
She said: "These children need round the clock care, twenty-four hours a day.
"You can't expect parents to do that on their own.
"They have to open their doors at this vulnerable time to external carers, which is a huge concern for them."
The Duke of Sussex was also told of the difficulties of social isolation for these families, many of whom have not been recognised on the Government's list of vulnerable people.
Mrs Gregory said that families who cannot get onto the list will struggle to access essential supplies, such as personal protective equipment and food.
One concerned parent, Craig Hatch, told Prince Harry during the call that he was frightened for his 21-year-old son Fraser, who has cerebral palsy.
Mr Hatch, from Cumbria, said: "It's scary. We are frightened because we know that if the virus gets in our house and if Fraser contracts the virus, the implications are quite severe.
"There are lots of issues around Personal Protective Equipment. The guidelines come out, but often the supply seems to be lacking or slow to be fulfilled.
"If we can get that sorted then there can be an element of reassurance for families and carers."
As a WellChild nurse, Mrs Gregory treats children and young people who require long-term ventilation from all over Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire.
During the coronavirus pandemic, Mrs Gregory and her team have had to make adaptations to their work. This includes transferring some of their main services online.
Home visits are conducted where "absolutely necessary" and plans are being put in place to ensure the families and children receive care and support.
Lincoln mum Leanne Cooper has a teenage daughter with cerebral palsy, scoliosis and multiple complex needs.
She said there is "a lot of information out there" but "not a lot" for vulnerable families and children with complex medical needs. "It is terrifying," she added.
Our most-shared stories on social media
Couple's last goodbye after 62 years wed
Pub shuts after virus rules flouted
Has BrightHouse shop closed down?
Two in hospital after serious crash
In a touching moment, Prince Harry said: "Full respect to every single one of you. This is hard on everyone, but it is especially hard on you.
"I know that WellChild are doing everything they can to support you. Hopefully, through this video we can make it more clear and obvious to Government and everybody else that you are in the 'vulnerable' bracket and WellChild needs more help.
"It is really nice to see you all smiling and happy. Keep going, keep the morale up, keep busy, keep being creative, dare yourself to try new hobbies and I hope to see you all again very, very soon."
Nottingham University Hospitals have set up a new website which features information around Covid-19 for children and their families, as well as training, information and support.
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales