The League of Friends
of Fairford Hospital

( Reg. Charity No: 1006416 )

PRESS RELEASE May 2008

The League of Friends of Fairford Hospital has moved on from the disappointment of losing the beds at Fairford Hospital last year. Following a short period of re-evaluation, it is striking out in new directions, the League’s annual general meeting was told on Thursday (May1).
The chairman, Mr David Phillips, told members what was being done to develop its work in the community in the light of the changes introduced last year. The expansion of out-patient work would be helped by a decision to introduce X-ray facilities at Fairford. The League is setting aside £70,000 to pay for modern equipment on the basis that it will be maintained by the Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust and Gloucestershire PCT will pay for any changes to the hospital building necessary to accommodate it. This development would spearhead more out-patient work at Fairford and it is hoped the equipment will be installed soon.

Mr Phillips also referred to the agreement reached with the Prospect Hospice at Wroughton providing terminal care support for patients at the Fairford and Lechlade doctors’ surgeries. This will include home assessment, home support, training for clinical teams and, where necessary, admission to the hospice. Already local doctors have been making use of this facility.

The need to provide foot care services is also being explored, and in partnership with Cotswold District Council the League will be providing a part-time “Friend” to help elderly people learn about services available to them in the community.

As well as the new services, the voluntary car scheme, now operating at the rate of 800 health-related trips every year, is very much in demand. “New drivers are always needed,” he said, “particularly to volunteers prepared to undertake the longer journeys to hospitals at Swindon, Cheltenham and Cirencester.” The League also supports a counselling service, free physiotherapy and a nursing service reaching out into the community.

All this was placing added demand on the League’s resources, supported heavily by the house-to-house collection, which this year raised nearly £16,000.

Mr Phillips thanked everyone who had helped in the League’s work during the year. “We are indeed very lucky to have so many generous people prepared to help their community.”

Note: David Phillips can be contacted on 01285 850332. Email madmeysey@aol.com