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Stratford’s One in a Million Hospital

We are delighted to announce that with the support of the local community, a staggering £1million has been fundraised for the Stratford Hospital Cancer and Eye Appeal.

In 2014 plans were approved to develop a new £22million hospital in the heart of Stratford upon Avon. To support this development a £1million fundraising appeal was launched to help create an enhanced environment for patients and make Stratford Hospital the best it can be.

Throughout the appeal local communities across South Warwickshire have been fully behind the cause and shown an overwhelming amount of support. From hosting fundraising events, making generous donations or becoming dedicated volunteers. It is thanks to all this help that the Stratford Hospital Cancer and Eye Appeal has been able to reach its impressive target.

South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust are funding the new hospital build, however the NHS funds only go as far as functional materials and equipment. The additional £1million will enable the Trust to invest in special enhancements and equipment that will make the facility fabulous for patients as they undergo their treatment. It is thanks to fundraising that the Trust has been able to purchase upgraded chemotherapy chairs. At times treatments can take up to 8 hours and so it is really important that patients are provided with a chair that will make their experience as comfortable as possible.

Denys C. Shortt OBE, Chair of the Fundraising Committee said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have reached the £1million target. It is the huge amount of community spirit in Stratford that has enabled us to get this far. I am extremely grateful to all the individuals, businesses, community groups and schools that have continued to support the new hospital. I would also like to say a special thanks to the Fundraising Committee. Made up 20 volunteers, including Jenny Farrell, Lila Morgan, David Tucker, Tim Wightman, Ali Gray and Sharon Stephens, along with the rest of the committee, they have dedicated their time to the appeal over the last 3 years; their enthusiasm and hard work have been instrumental in the appeals success.

“The hospital is going to make a massive difference to the lives of local people; making treatment more accessible and providing a welcome and comfortable environment for patients. All fundraising now and in the future will help make Stratford Hospital the best it can be.”

Jayne Blacklay, Director of Development at South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust: “I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to everyone that has helped us reach this fantastic milestone. Throughout the fundraising appeal, one thing that has been really clear to me is how passionate the people from Stratford and the surrounding villages are in supporting and investing in their local community. It is thanks to their dedication, hard work and generosity that we have been able raise this phenomenal amount of money and will be able to make Stratford Hospital a first class health care facility.”

The new hospital is set to be open in summer 2017. When open, it will be approximately twice the size of the current hospital, with a cancer services unit on the top floor. This area will be known as the Rigby Cancer Unit, following an extremely generous donation from The Rigby Foundation. The first floor will be a dedicated eye unit and ground floor will offer some diagnostic services and be home to a health and wellbeing hub, which will provide information and advice on a range of health and wellbeing services in Stratford upon Avon and the surrounding areas.

Although the £1million target has been reached, fundraising for the new hospital will still carry on in the future, with a number of organisations and trusts already pledging their continued support. This fundraising will enable the NHS Trust to continually make enhancements and provide upgraded equipment for patients.

Notes to Editors:

Photo caption: (left – right) Emma Holman-West, Sharon Stephens, Marian Burton, Helen Hunt, Jenny Farrell, John Hulse, Lila Morgan, Alan Haigh, Valarie Rooke, Sir Peter Rigby, David Tucker, Rosemary Hyde, Denys C. Shortt OBE

For further information please contact Communications on 01926 495 321 ext 8383

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