Mobile phone giant Samsung has today announced that it is donating 2,000 phones to NHS workers at NHS Nightingale field hospitals.
The supply of devices to NHS workers is said to allow them to communicate with loved ones as well as stay on top of personal hygiene requirements. The new devices will be robust enough to be cleaned thoroughly, and supplied with a range of UV cleaning devices.
“Healthcare workers are working tirelessly to protect our nation at its time of greatest need,” reads the Samsung U.K. press release. “This is why we have developed a series of measures to ensure these individuals are able to defy the barriers they are faced with, day in and day out.”
According to the BBC, the devices supplied will be Galaxy XCover 4S phones – designed to be operated while using gloves. NHS staff will also be able to sterilise their phones using one of 35 UV devices supplied alongside the new handsets.
“However small the comfort may be, we hope that technology can alleviate some of the anguish this pandemic is inflicting on those most impacted,” said Samsung UK Chief Executive, Francis Chun.
Samsung has also promised to provide a dedicated support channel to NHS staff, as well as a free phone repair service which will collect and deliver to their doorsteps. Samsung will also provide free digital advertising for public service announcements as well as giving priority to NHS workers when delivering new devices.