Coronavirus: Gold Coast dad takes to Facebook to launch Adopt a Healthcare Worker Queensland in support of frontline medical staff

This Oxenford dad says we are officially at war and he’s calling on Gold Coasters to help him support those on the frontline – here’s how.

CHRIS Fowler says we are at war and is calling on Gold Coasters to help him support the frontline.

The Oxenford father-of-two started a Facebook group called “Adopt a Healthcare Worker Queensland” last week. Now with 6000 members, it’s a platform that’s connecting medical staff with community members eager to lend a hand.

Chris Fowler has created a Facebook page called ‘Adopt a Healthcare Worker Queensland’ to aid stretched medical staff during the pandemic. Picture: Jerad Williams.

“The idea started in Western Australia but I knew there was a desperate need in Queensland,” he said.

“My aim is provide practical support to healthcare workers to allow them to stay on the frontline, boost morale by showing healthcare workers we care and give everyone something positive to focus their energy on.”

The group encourages “adopters” to assist “adoptees” with things like cleaning, cooking and childcare.

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Mr Fowler said a common donation on the Gold Coast was carparks because many nurses and doctors were advised not to use public transport.

“This is only the beginning of the pandemic – so hopefully there will be a mobile app in the future,” the video game designer said.

Chris Fowler said the idea started in Western Austalia and he plans to create a Adopt a Healthcare worker mobile app. Picture: Jerad Williams

Kirra Smith, 35, said she heard the Robina Hospital emergency department was busy last Thursday so she anonymously organised a delivery of pizzas and food to night shift workers.

“My mum is a nurse and I know medical staff are having a really hard time,” she said.

“I am feeling helpless and any kindness I see makes me feel a lot better. I just want to help a little and I feel if others do it too the world will be a better place.”

Anyone can join the page. Picture: Jerad Williams

Healthcare workers simply post their postcode and a request. Anyone can join the page and then search for someone in their area.

Mr Fowler said: “We all know someone who works in the health sector and they often do not like asking for help. But we are all in this together.”.