Charitable funding provides greater support for partners in South Warwickshire
South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust has a subsidiary company, SWFT Clinical Services Ltd, which was created as a social enterprise so that any profits can be re-invested back into services the Trust provides or to support the health and wellbeing of the population it serves. This year three fantastic projects have been supported, linking in NHS and partner organisation together to focus on positive outcomes for local communities.
Forest of Hearts Charity – In collaboration with the Forest of Hearts charity, funding will be used to create a sustainable kitchen garden at Stratford Hospital. The garden provides a tranquil outdoor space for patients, their families and for staff to enjoy and will deliver a sustainable crop of fruit, vegetables and herbs and help promote healthy eating at the hospital. The garden will also provide volunteering opportunities for members of the local community who may want to develop new skills or build new friendships.
Citizens Advice Bureau – Funding is also being provided to South Warwickshire Citizens Advice Bureau to support a project which enables them to receive referrals from local NHS services. The referrals are helping patients to access advice and information about issues such as debt management, hardship grants, or housing support. Referrals can come from district nurses, primary care, community services and others and the project creates a holistic approach to supporting patients who in addition to, or because of, their healthcare needs may require wider support to protect and promote their wellbeing in the community.
Warwickshire and Solihull Blood Biker Service (WSBB) – funding has been provided to transport vital chemotherapy drugs to patients during the Coronavirus pandemic. The service saves the NHS valuable staff time and transport costs and delivers the drugs where and when they are needed. The WSBB also delivers vital medical supplies including blood, platelets, samples, X-rays and medical equipment to hospitals in the area, free of charge. It is made up of a team of volunteers who give their time freely to transport and deliver the vital supplies. At a time when NHS resources are being stretched by the virus as hospitals look after the seriously ill, the scheme is helping to relieve pressure on the Trust and is ensuring patients receive the medication they urgently need.
Glen Burley, Chief Executive of South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Improving the wellbeing of our communities is key to helping people stay well by accessing the information, services and opportunities that sustain good health and allowing people to lead fulfilling lives. As a Trust we are committed to working with partners to deliver projects of social value to our local communities and recognise the vital role they have. I am delighted to support these great projects.”
Jayne Blacklay, Chief Executive of SWFT Clinical Services Ltd, said: “The collaboration between SWFT Clinical Services, The Trust and local partners is a great example of how a social enterprise can help create new opportunities for working together to benefit our local communities. There’s so much enthusiasm within the company and the Trust to harness these opportunities to deliver projects of real social value. We’re delighted to see what is being achieved through these three initiatives and would like to thank everyone who has been involved.”
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