Southmead Hospital League of Friends

Adding a Conservatory in the Refreshments Centre

Formed in 1977, the Southmead Hospital League of Friends serves patients and visitors, making their hospital stay as comfortable as possible.

The Friends are involved in many activities within the hospital, including fund-raising, serving refreshments in both the visitors centre and maternity department, serving refreshments from the refreshment trolley in outpatients department, wheeling patients to church service and finally a library trolley service.

Recently, a main goal of the Friends was to add a conservatory to the refreshment centre in which people could relax and take some time away from the hospital atmosphere.

The plan was to extend the seating area by 50%, adding a further 12 seats and tables, and to allow people to sit in a relaxed atmosphere and to appreciate the outside in comfort.

The biggest challenge proved to be dealing with the various hospital departments to ensure the smooth running of the project. To complete the project numerous meetings, plenty of discussion and a fair amount stubbornness to succeed was necessary.
The Friends' biggest achievement was a successful opening of the conservatory by a member of the 'Casualty' BBC television programme.

In the coming months and years the Friends plan to continue to supply a helpful service to patients, relatives and staff.

Quotes

“The volunteers are always friendly and willing to give a listening ear.” — A user of the Refreshment Centre

“It is always reassuring to know that the Friends are there to assist when necessary.”

“No one wants to be in the hospital, so our aim is to make their stay as comfortable as possible and to assist their relatives and staff alike. If we raise funds doing this then that is
a bonus.” — John Vickery MBE, Friends Chairman