After ending their trolley service to the wards in March 2020, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Friends of St Mary’s Hospital are once again taking their much-appreciated items to patients, including newspapers, toiletries and ‘treats’.
Before the trolley starts each round, however, a check is made where it can be taken safely that day.
Myland: A warm and enthusiastic welcome
Friends chairman, Lesley Myland, said,
“The volunteers who run the service are reporting a warm and enthusiastic welcome from everyone it reaches.”
The trolley operates out of the Friends foyer shop which itself had to close earlier on in the pandemic, together with cafes at Laidlaw, Outpatients, and Ryde Health and Wellbeing Centre. But in August last year the main shop was re-opened, to the delight of both patients and staff.
Brodie: Very grateful to the many volunteers
Shop manager, Lisa Brodie, said,
“We are very grateful for the many volunteers who have helped during this difficult time in the shop and with the trolley.”
Welcoming the return of the trolley service, the hospital’s patient experience lead, Sam Johnson said,
“Our Friends make such a huge difference to our patients, and we are so grateful for everything they do to support our trust. The service has been really missed throughout the pandemic and we are delighted to welcome the Friends volunteers back on site.
“Their presence will be really appreciated and is more important than ever while we have visitor restrictions in place.”
Friends’ support
Over the years the Friends have taken great pride in donating profits from its operations to purchase equipment and services around the hospital. The charity is still actively involved in seeking areas where the current profits can best be spent.
Image: Volunteers Margaret Bowyer and Michael Nichols are welcomed back to the Friends shop by volunteer and trustee, Beryl Rowan (left), after they had completed one of the first trips around the wards since lockdown began in March 2020.
News shared by George on behalf of Friends of St Mary’s Hospital. Ed
