>Chairman's Report
Chairman’s Report for the Year 2008
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The Richardson Community Hospital has continued to develop and expand its services on the new site in Victoria Road. The Friends continue to support the Day Hospital, clinics and services by purchases of occupational therapy supplies (jigsaws, puzzles, arts and crafts equipment), CD players, a Biometric glove, stocking glides and a specialised exercise bicycle (£4250). The Butterwick Hospice, who provide outreach hospice services in the Hospital, collaborated with the Friends to supply a Chatsworth Chair (£1811). During fine weather the day hospice patients have enjoyed the roof terrace where new chairs and a table were supplied. Hand sanitisation units and mobile fridge units were purchased for the Starling and Lowson Wards. Regular items such as newspapers (about £1500 p.a.) continue to be funded.
A continuing cause for concern has been the television sets as a number of these now require repair or replacement. The Primary Care Trust, in consultation with Care Partnerships 2000 (the landlords) are negotiating a maintenance contract and it is hoped that the system will be brought up to standard this year. On a more positive note the telephones supplied by the Friends are well used and several donations have been received in appreciation of this facility.
Income highlights of 2008 included:
· We received, and continue to receive a number of donations given in recognition of care received, either by individuals who have benefited from rehabilitation or respite care, or from relatives of those who have spent their last days in the care of the Hospital. The frequency and generosity of these donations are a tribute to the high standards of care and hygiene at the Hospital. These donations plus several from community groups and individuals including the Inner Wheel, Women’s Institutes and others totalled over £20,000. This included £1000 from Lesley Simpson’s parachute jump.
· Legacy income was lower than in previous years, amounting to just over £3500.
· The Autumn Bazaar, held in the Witham Hall raised £1178 including income from the Summer Raffle. Other fundraising including the NHS 60th Anniversary celebrations raised £735. The bookstall in Reception (kindly maintained by Reception staff) is popular with patients and staff and produces a number of donations throughout the year. Sales of cards and prints provided additional income through the Hospital.
It should be noted that interest on our deposit accounts has reduced this year and is likely to be even less in 2009 owing to the current economic situation. Overall income during 2008 has been healthy though not in the league of previous years when substantial (and unexpected) legacies have enabled us to fund major projects associated with the new build. Nevertheless it is evident that the community in Teesdale and the surrounding area value and support the Hospital and on behalf of the Friends of Richardson Hospital I would like to thank all the Committee members, staff, patients, fundraisers and Friends for their support.
Iris Hillery, Chairman
April 2009