Chairman's Report for 2003/04

Delivered at the AGM on Monday 22nd March 2004

Mr Mayor, Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen.

I am delighted to welcome you all to this the 50th Annual General Meeting of the League of Friends of Warwick Hospital. In October last year we celebrated 50 years since our formation in 1953. In particular I would like to welcome the Chairman of the NHS Trust, Roger Thompson and its Chief Executive; Mrs Janet Monkman.

During the last fifty years this League has raised over £650,000 pounds for the benefit of patients and staff at this hospital. This has included many projects including a Breast Screening Machine costing over £80,000. A donation of over £48,000, to the new Accident and Emergency Unit.

The past twelve months has seen the League continue to grow. This is the result of the many volunteers who assist in so many ways. Manning the Bric-a-Brac shop, which brings in an average of £300.00 per week, has been a tremendous success. The Escort team, so valuable to those people who arrive at the Hospital, often not knowing where they are going, or should be going. The assistance given to certain Wards in the feeding of patients, to relieve Staff for other jobs. Volunteers in the recently introduced Discharge Suite. Those who spend many hours selling raffle tickets in the hospital corridors; in particular I would like to thank George Robinson and Miriam Relins. for their stirling efforts in this respect. My thanks to our President, Stephanie Reed for her continued support, and the way she extracts money from the pockets of the members of the Hospital Trust at their monthly meetings. Keep up the good work Stephanie ?.

Whilst on the subject of the NHS Trust Board, may I thank the Chairman, Chief Executive, and their staff for the support we get from them. I know from my role as a Regional Officer for the National Association, that not all Leagues get such support.

Thank you.

My thanks to our Secretary, Doctor Pat Gilbert, our Treasurer Jill Denny, so important in the successful running of any organisation, and often not receiving the recognition that they should. Our Independent Examiner, Trevor Wills, who gives his services free of charge. They all put a tremendous effort in on behalf of the League. As do the

I feel I must give a particular thank you to our former Co-ordinator, Mrs Kay Wootton. She has worked so hard during her time with us. She has helped to put this League on the map as far as League of Friends are concerned. A search for her successor is under way.

We have visited neighbouring hospitals, some of which are endeavouring to make a similar appointment. We are delighted that she has decided to stay on this committee, as an official member, and especially her offer to assist her successor when appointed.. We have an office base, Extension 6881, situated on the first floor adjacent to Beaumont Ward.

During the year 2003 over £41,000 has been raised in a multiplicity of ways with £24,426 having been spent on hospital equipment. The Co-ordinator works a 20 hour a week with half the salary being funded by a NHS Charity Fund and the other half by the League.

£3,511 was spent fitting out the new League of Friends shop. As I have said this has been a great success bringing in £14.169 in its first year. My thanks to the volunteers who run it and members of the public who so generously donate items to sell in it.

Legacies brought in £7,400 during the year compared with nil the previous year.

The total amount of money raised by the League since its inception is £657,192.

The President and myself represented the League at the AGM of the National Association of Hospital and Community Friends in London last October. A Regional Conference will be held on Saturday 17th April this year at The Regency Hotel, Stratford Road, Shirley between 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. Cost £10 per person attending (including a buffet)

I look forward to your continued support in the forthcoming year.

Roy Joyner - Chairman.

22nd March 2004.