Some of Clifton Hospital’s League of Friends members: Jill Hargreaves; Marjorie Chisholm; Trudi Woods (Chairman) and Dorothy Thomas with the ward trolley
Have you ever wondered why Clifton Hospital feels so warm and friendly?
One of the reasons is there is a league of volunteers supporting the hospital.
The Clifton League of Friends charity was founded when the hospital first opened in 1988 and is still going strong more than 30 years later.
The 12 strong team work hard to fundraise to provide items around the Clifton site on Pershore Road, Lytham St Annes.
They provide a trolley service each week, giving daily newspapers to every ward and they have given every in-patient a Christmas present every year for the past 30 years.
Pam Young, a former Sister at Clifton for many years, said: “When I retired after my 40 years nursing career I wanted something to keep me occupied, so I decided to continue my membership with the League of Friends.
“As well as the plants and bed curtains around the hospital, we also support staff to enrol on courses and so much more. Over the years we have funded many projects such as the original garden and the conservatory.”
The group meets regularly to discuss fundraising ideas and what projects need funding. The League of Friends has spent more than £36,000 over the past two years to support the hospital and its staff.
Dorothy, Jill and Marjorie showing the bed curtains at Clifton Hospital provided by the Friends
Chairman Trudi Woods said: “I have been part of the League of Friends since it first started in 1988.
“We have really enhanced the services and facilities over the last 30 years.
“We have recently provided things like leisure suits, tracksuits and socks for people who are transferred to Clifton and arrive with no clothes. These were bought with the financial assistance of Fylde Soroptimists.
“We are actively looking for new members to help us. We are a friendly bunch and would welcome new faces to the group.”
The shopping trolley goes around all wards on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Patients can purchase various items and if an item isn’t on the trolley the ladies will endeavour to get it.
Clinical Matron at Clifton Hospital, Courtney Bickerdike, said: “The League of Friends are valued members of the team here at Clifton and they make so much a positive difference.
“We are truly blessed to have such enthusiastic support to help us raise awareness and funds to enhance patient care.”
If you would like to be part of the League of Friends, you can contact Trudi on 01253 736594 for further information.
Keep up to date with latest fundraising news on social media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/CliftonHospitalBTHNHSFT/ and Twitter: @CliftonHospital.