AFC Bournemouth’s Simon Francis has renewed his position as ‘Player Ambassador’ for an infection prevention schools project with Nuffield Health Hospital Bournemouth.
During the last school year, Nuffield Health Bournemouth’s Bug Busters initiative taught more than 800 children at schools across Dorset how to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. This year, the Premier League right-back, along with Nuffield Health infection prevention expert Chris Tickner and the head of AFC Bournemouth’s Community Trust, Steve Cuss, are hoping to reach even more students with their message.
Hospital Director, David McNair, said: “We are delighted Simon Francis is pledging his support for our Bug Buster schools project for another year. Who better to engage with and inspire our local school children, many of whom I am sure are big fans of his, regarding our important health initiative?”
Simon Francis of AFC Bournemouth said: “After the success of last year’s scheme, I am pleased to be back on board with Nuffield Health Hospital Bournemouth to help push our important health message out to those schools we didn’t manage to reach previously.”
Re-launching in October, the Bug Busters programme will provide local schools with a series of free workshops and interactive football games on how to prevent germs and bacteria spreading and causing sickness, which can greatly impact on a child’s performance at school.
Following the sessions, the children are invited to design a poster reminding visitors to AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium to wash their hands. Last year’s winner Keeley Twinning, whose poster is currently on display at the football grounds, won a family ticket to watch a game and the opportunity to meet the players.
Simon adds: “The competition was tough last year as the standard of all the posters was very high. I am looking forward to seeing whether we can beat it this year with the quality of our creative entries to come.”
Schools interested in finding out more about the sessions are invited to contact Steve Cuss at AFC Bournemouth on 01202 726342, or to contact the hospital’s customer services team on 01202 702830.
For more information about having private treatment at Nuffield Health Hospital Bournemouth, please visit the hospital website at www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/bournemouth.