Jeremy Voizey, Chairman of the League of Friends welcomed members and visitors to the AGM in this, the 70th anniversary year of the Friends.
The AGM learnt that equipment and furniture valued at £97,525 was given to the hospital over the past year. Items ranged from £60 to provide a Christmas tree with lights and decorations through to £24,000 for recliner chairs at each bedside in the maternity wards. Physiotherapy benefitted from swimming aids for the hydrotherapy pool, an ice flaker machine, hand splint maker, heated wax bath for hand therapy and new electrically operated height adjustable treatment couches.
Investigations for sleep apnoea have been aided by the purchase of 5 sleep monitors for £9,995 and £5,800 supplied a portable ultrasound machine to be used for vascular access in medical imaging. A bladder scanner costing £6,725, care tray trolley costing £627, window blinds, TVs, privacy screens, ENT examination light and a dummy for training nurses in clinical skills were all on the list of items purchased.
Money was raised during the year by events organised by the League of Friends committee as well as by donations from outside clubs and organisations, for which the Chairman of the Friends was very grateful. A large bequest had also benefitted the League, enabling the purchase of so many items.
Jeremy Voizey was re-elected as Chairman, Amanda Voizey as Treasurer and Sandra Scott as Secretary, all to serve for a year.
Jeremy said he would like more Trustees for the charity to be recruited as well as helpers for the Walmer Outpatients Department teabar and trolley shop so that the work of the League of Friends could continue. He hoped to welcome Friends and visitors to the 70th Anniversary Tea Party for the League on 8th July and to the Fete on 5th August.
Matthew Kershaw then addressed the meeting to inform members of the progress of the Trust following the CQC reports.
For more information about the League of Friends and its events, search for QEQM League of Friends on Facebook, or leave a message on the answerphone on 01843 234507.