'These basics made a huge difference' - North Yorkshire charity announces closure
The League of Friends of Scarborough Hospital has donated huge numbers of chairs over the years (Image: Gilly Collinson)
A MUCH-LOVED hospital charity is closing its doors after 30 years of service.
The League of Friends of Scarborough Hospital, which was founded in 1996, has announced that it will be stopping its operations after raising more than £1 million for Scarborough Hospital.
The organisation was formed to raise funds and provide things to help patients that are not funded by the NHS, with donations ranging from toiletries and home comforts to complex medical equipment.
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Eleanor Paterson, chair of the League, said: "Our aim from the beginning was to fundraise so that we could provide things that would improve the lives of patients – and sometimes staff – that were not being provided by the NHS.
"Over the years we have bought a huge array of items, from mugs and kettles for wards to TVs, radios, headphones, cooling fans and a massive amount of furniture. We've recently spent £21,000 on seating for the new Community Diagnostic Centre in Eastfield."
The charity has supported Scarborough Hospital with everything from everyday items to vital medical equipment - with one of its final contributions being a £16,300 echocardiography machine for the Urgent and Emergency Care Department.
Vice-chair Christine Wilson, a former palliative care nurse, added: "One of our very first ventures was to provide packs of toiletries for patients who were admitted without having had time to bring along the essentials. We made up bags with soap, a flannel, toothbrush, toothpaste and a comb.
The League of Friends had bought lots of wheelchairs over the years, including special bariatric ones, seen here at the Haworth Unit (Image: Gilly Collinson)
"You can imagine what a relief it is to have such simple things at what is a difficult, stressful time. We know from all the thank-you letters that these basics made a huge difference to people."
The charity has also funded medical devices, books for newly diagnosed diabetic patients, and dementia training for nurses, but due to changes over the years, the committee has decided it is time to close the charity.
Eleanor said: "We no longer run the shop we used to have on Hanover Road, which was a major source of income, and it has become more complex to ensure that items comply with NHS regulations and needs.
"Meanwhile, doctors, nurses and ward staff are constantly working at full tilt, so that – even though we have kept it as simple as is humanly possible – finding the time to apply for funds can feel burdensome to them."
Christine Wilson, Sue Chapman and Eleanor Paterson man a bookstall at the Scaby fair as one of their many fundraising efforts to benefit hospital patients (Image: Gilly Collinson)
Almost everyone on the committee has now retired from their NHS posts, contributing to the decision to step back, with Eleanor adding: "The committee would like to thank everyone who has supported us, and the many friends we have made. We have had a lot of enjoyment over the years.
"A final special mention goes to Scarborough Cricket Club, which has donated about £1,000 to us every year following the final of the Hospital Charity Cup. We value everyone's loyalty."
The charity also added that the NHS Trust's own charity has recently taken over providing similar packs, so that need will continue to be met and people can continue contributing to local healthcare by donating to them.