Our local Hospital Charity

Natalie

On May 22^nd we welcomed Natalie Marriott, from York and Scarborough Hospitals Charity, as our speaker.

Nat explained the broad scope of the work this charity does, and the need for funding for a variety of projects which enhance patients’ (and sometimes staff’s) experience in ways that the NHS does not currently provide. 

Most of the projects are “ring-fenced” and receive donations from people who want to support a specific project, often for very personal reasons.

The most recent idea which Nat wanted to highlight is the Autumn Project which aims to provide a more comfortable and private environment for hospital patients in the last stages of life, and for their families. 

This includes special rooms – or screens where more appropriate in wards – and other “comforts of home”. 

Specifically, they wish to acquire “cuddle beds” for York Hospital which are fully functional hospital beds but designed so two people can be together.  These can cost £15,000 each.   Specialist screens in wards would cost around £3500 each.  Nat hoped that members might help with publicising this new project and support it.

The hospital charity are taking part in this year’s Dragon Boat Challenge event.

Nat also took the opportunity to thank the Club again for the funding we raised back in 2020, when we ran a virtual Dragon Boat event, a very unusual but successful initiative which raised over £20,000 towards refurbishing internal gardens in York Hospital.  She explained that the garden spaces are highly valued and used by patients and staff alike. 

If you want to revisit the 2020 “Virtual” event, including a video explaining how it came about, click here.. Virtual Dragon Boat 2020 | York Rotary