This year’s Friends of Frome Hospital AGM will highlight the continuing development of the Trust from a perception of being simply a fund-raising organisation which actively supported the replacement of the former Victoria Hospital, to a forward thinking grouping of volunteers who provide care not only in and around the hospital, but for its support to other local volunteering-led medical services not normally available through the NHS.
The Friends AGM, to be held in the Moxon Suite at the Frome Community Hospital at 7.30pm Wednesday 23rd November, will emphasise the co-operation with these groups who offer patient care services on-site at the Enos Way, Health Park or in the Town.
A particular strong bond has been established with the Frome Medical Practice’s Patient Participation Group (PPG) where representatives from both the Friends and PPG are now participating in each others’ meetings. This will optimise efforts for future patient care direction.
One current issue is that of addressing the car parking at the Health Park. Both groups have undertaken the first, of a series, of traffic surveys to see how best to improve car parking on behalf of patients, visitors and staff using the site.
As part of their succession planning ethos, the Friends have attracted a number of new volunteers to their ranks to work on a number of initiatives on the ward, restoring the Therapy Garden for in-patients, and the forming of a dedicated guardian’s team to maintain the Community Defibrillator project and talking to schools for student CPR training.
The website allows for a two-way flow of communication from the Friends on news and events happening in and around the hospital, and a link that can let people forward their ideas and enquiries. A picture gallery has now been added to the site to allow the public to have a view of the all the facilities at the Hospital and Medical Practice. A video version is planned for 2017.
Peter Smith, Chairman Friends of Frome Hospital said, “2016 has been an inspiring year for the Friends. We have been pleased to support our energetic (and award winning) Matron Hayley Hughes in her policy to bring the hospital closer to the local community and we are developing an excellent relationship with other users of the Health Park.
“Our profile is good in the community, especially through our public defibrillator awareness sessions which have brought forward some really dedicated volunteers. Naturally, we want to continue to attract a few more people next year to explore new opportunities for the future. We do not ask for subscriptions but welcome the donation of their time, however small.
“We cordially welcome people from the community to meet the Friends for the AGM at the Hospital at 7.30pm on 23rd November, and to bring any new ideas they think will be of benefit for the people of Frome.”
Contact can be made via: www.friendsoffromehosital.org.uk
