St Monica’s Friends boost hospital

Over £120,000 of improvements have been made to St Monica’s Hospital in Easingwold thanks to the generosity of local charity, the League of Friends of St Monica’s Hospital.

Funds donated have benefited both staff and patients throughout the hospital and have complemented investment by York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust which run the hospital.

York Trust Chairman, Alan Rose, toured the hospital alongside the Chair of the Friends of St Monica’s, Barry Sanderson, to see how the environment had been improved with the charity’s help.

Alan Rose said: "We are very grateful to the League of Friends for all the extra improvements we have been able to make with their help. They have provided many enhancements throughout the hospital. Patients have seen the refurbishment of the physiotherapy clinic, and a former office has been converted to provide a quiet room where patients and families can speak to the doctors in private. Staff also have a lovely new locker room so they now have a dedicated area where they can change into their uniform. A new drugs storage room and a bright new records office provide modern and efficient purpose built space. All these improvements make a great deal of difference in a small hospital like St Monica’s."

Barry Sanderson, Chair of the League of Friends of St Monica’s, added: "Some of the work caused quite a bit of disruption so I think the staff deserve praise for the way they carried on regardless. However the work kept to schedule and within budget so we are very pleased with the way things have gone. It’s a pleasure to see each project finished and watch staff and patients benefit. Many thanks to our generous donors and fundraisers for all their help."

The League of Friends of St Monica’s are already looking to fund new projects around the hospital such as an automatic door for the physiotherapy clinic to help patients through the entrance when they come for appointments.

For further information contact Elaine Vinter, communications officer, on 01904 721592 or elaine.vinter@york.nhs.uk

20 August 2013