Staff at a Powys Hospital have praised the work done by the local league of friends on the facilities.

Welshpool’s Victoria Memorial Hospital staff expressed their thanks to the local League of Friends after their major investment in the building in recent times.

According to the hospital the League of friends have made a series of investment to benefit patients. These include an electronic canopy which now covers an outside area by the palliative care suite, making it a weatherproof area where patients, family members and staff can relax in the fresh air.

They have also paid for garden furniture for this covered area, equipment to kit out a family room within the palliative care suite and changing facilities - including showers - for hospital staff.

There have also been some festive investments including a Christmas tree and decorations to replace those lost to flood water as well as the traditional Christmas presents for all the patients. 

County Times: The wonderful new seating area near to the Palliative care unit at Welshpool’s Victoria Memorial Hospital.The wonderful new seating area near to the Palliative care unit at Welshpool’s Victoria Memorial Hospital. (Image: Powys Teaching Health Board)

 Ward Manager at the hospital, Donna Jarman, praised the work of the League of Friends.

“We can’t thank them enough for the amazing facilities that they have given to the patients, staff and visitors here,” said Donna.  “They have really made a difference in the environment we can offer to the people who use our hospital and my colleagues have now got much better facilities to help them look after our patients.”

Chair of the Welshpool League of Friends, Cllr. Estelle Bleivas said: “It was great to be able to help and it’s really gratifying to see that the palliative patients, staff and visitors could come outside the building and take in the fresh air under this new covered area.”

Secretary of the League of Friends, Frances Grassi helped renovate the garden and included a wildflower area near the new covered area at the hospital.

OTHER NEWS: 

“The League of Friends really feel that it is important for us to show where the money we receive is spent. In fact 99 per cent of our donations are from former patients of Welshpool; often in the form of a legacy,” said Mrs Grassi.

“The patients and visitors are able to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the garden, which really promotes their emotional wellbeing at what can be a difficult time. So, if there are any enthusiastic volunteers out there who’d be able to spare a little bit of their time to help our team, we’d be delighted to have them on board.”

Welshpool hospital’s League of Friends is also looking for new members as well as volunteers to help tend the garden at the hospital.

Welshpool Hospital’s League of Friends can be contacted via effgrassi@gmail.com or by calling Frances on 01938 553723.

County Times: County Times reader offer