Putting the Community into the Hospital

The St Andrews League of Hospital Friends

The object of this local charity (SC 016084) is to support our local community health service and hospital.  This support is in a number of different forms but chiefly the efforts focus on raising funds for equipment and comforts not provided by the NHS.    In 2023 The league spent nearly £10000 on equipment for the hospital and GP practices.

More recently,  purchases have included, small items of board games and musical instruments to help dementia patients, fan heaters and stereo equipment to provide improved comfort and amusement  ECG equipment was procured in collaboration with Heart-Start, another local charity. Departments such as physiotherapy have been helped with the purchase of extra equipment.  Furthermore, the GP practices and the Community Nurses have benefited from donations of kit like a dermatascope.

Shown in the picture is one of two new lightweight maneuverable beds purchased for the Minor Injuries Department at a total cost of £4163. The original heavy cumbersome beds had transferred from the old hospital.  These new beds make life much easier for the nurses in this department.  All items of equipment are purchased on the recommendation of staff and none are included in the NHS budget for the hospital.

The League of Friends raises money in a number of different ways.  Donations and bequests are received from individuals and organisations.  A recent fund-raising initiative is the book trolley positioned in the entrance hall of the hospital for use by the public.  Our other fund raising activities include a coffee morning and a collection at the local supermarket.

The Friends are not only involved with the purchase of equipment but with trying to improve the profile of the hospital in the community. The Friends pay for the erection of the Christmas tree prominently displayed on the balcony of the building. This may seem a relatively small gesture but it is illustrative of the interest taken in the hospital at a time of year which is one of tradition but can be very difficult for patients and their families. The welfare of patients and their loved ones comes first and foremost and at Christmas we provide presents for all the patients in wards 1 and 2, a role the Friends have taken on since the inception of the League in 1986.  The Treasurer is handing over a cheque for Christmas presents.

Ward 2 Donation

The League donated physiotherapy equipment which was installed in the garden at ward 2 of the hospital.  This is physiotherapy equipment for use outdoors.