Hospital given cash boost

HOSPITAL patients in Warrington have benefited from a £50,000 cash boost from a local charity during the past year.
Warrington Hospital’s League of Friends has donated the money, which has been spent on wheelchairs and high-tech equipment, mainly through their shop, trolley service and hospital lottery.
Chairman of the League of Friends, David Eden said: “Many of our volunteers have benefited from the services that the hospital provides and want to give something back. It’s important that people know that all the money that is raised supports the hospital and helps fund new equipment that will benefit other patients in the future.”
Praise was also heaped on the charity’s volunteers who take on roles that extend beyond fundraising to run the front desk on reception and change flowers on the wards for patients.
David Hancock, Deputy Chairman, said: “Our volunteers help out in many ways to support patients. We give support in A&E, providing teas and coffees to family and relatives and also a shoulder to cry on when it’s needed. Our volunteers also help take patients from the wards to the chapel for services and we have been working with the stroke ward to spend time supporting speech therapy by interacting with patients who have had difficulties with their speech following a stroke.”
Chief Executive of North Cheshire Hospital NHS Trust, Catherine Beardshaw, said: “The League of Friends is a valuable part of hospital life and support us in more ways than most people realise. Many patients will have contact with members of the League – from meeting them at the reception desk to gaining support when they are in hospital. We’d like to thank them for their ongoing support to us.”
There are currently 40 active volunteers of the league, who are always on the look out for new members.
For more information on how to become a volunteer, log on to www.warringtonlof.org.uk