A Fraserburgh fishing firm had donated a “marvellous” £200,000 to help local health and social care services.
The response to Covid-19 has received a significant boost from the Klondyke Fishing Company Limited, which is owned by the Tait family.
NHS Grampian and the Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership will receive an equal split of the money and plan to use the vital funds to purchase iPads to use across their organisations.
Sheena Lonchay, operational manager for NHS Grampian charities, said that as well as enabling patients to keep in contact with their families, the devices were easier to clean and provided more effective hygiene control.
She said: “The donation is absolutely marvellous and came completely out of the blue.
“It is a fantastic sum and what a difference it will make.
“It will mean a lot to patients as they are surrounded by people in masks.
“They are not seeing any faces and that can be frightening, even for the strongest of us.
“Being able to see a familiar face will make a massive difference and for families who have a gravely ill relative in hospital, and aren’t allowed to visit, it will hopefully bring them some ease.
“The public response to this pandemic has been quite staggering and the generosity shown by Klondyke is amazing.”
It is hoped the iPads will have multiple uses, also helping community nursing teams to liaise with colleagues for additional medical or nursing advice.
Angie Wood, interim chief officer for the Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “We are incredibly thankful for this very generous donation.
“Like our colleagues at NHS Grampian it is our intention to use this money to help support our fantastic social care staff and ensure our clients stay connected during these unprecedented times.”
Klondyke Fishing said they wanted to recognise the extensive efforts of frontline workers and show their gratitude.
A spokesman for the business added: “In making this donation, the directors and family wish to recognise the hard and dedicated work of all staff at NHS Grampian and Aberdeenshire Council HSCP in delivering care to the vulnerable in our communities in what are extremely challenging times in dealing with this Coronavirus.”
Local MPs also welcomed the large donation.
Richard Thomson said: “This is a wonderfully generous donation from the Klondyke Fishing Company and the Tait family.
“For people getting hospital treatment or receiving care, having access to this technology will help them to stay in touch with loved ones and lift everyone’s spirits.
“In these hugely challenging times, acts of kindness like this can bring real comfort and I sincerely thank everyone who helped to make this happen.”