THE GREAT British cuppa has always been known for its special properties and that’s been proven by visitors to Wokingham Hospital.
Earlier this month, a cheque for £5,700 was presented to Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – which runs the Barkham Road hospital – as a result of profits raised from the on-site café run by the Royal Voluntary Service.
Helen Mackenzie, director of nursing, received the donation, which will be put back into community wards, with patients to benefit from a range of new equipment on Ascot and Windsor Wards.
For the event, held on Thursday, February 8, she was joined by staff, patients and volunteers joined the Royal Voluntary Service to celebrate the donation.
The equipment purchased will include new aids to make rising from a sitting position much easier for patients. The new age bowling kit will be used by physios to help improve mobility in a fun way and new iPods and CD players will provide music therapy which is particularly soothing for those with dementia.
DVD players will also show old films which patients are no longer able to watch on TV.
The Royal Voluntary Service is a national volunteering charity that helps older people stay active, independent and involved in their communities. The charity runs two cafés supporting the NHS in Berkshire – Wokingham Hospital and also the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading.
Clare Nicklos, Ward Manager at Wokingham Hospital, approached Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) about the need for equipment.
She said: “Funds on the ward are limited, so this has been a terrific bonus and boost to our resources, helping the recovery of our patients and enhancing their comfort and safety. We are very grateful to the Royal Voluntary Service for this generous donation.”
Olly Young, Retail Area Manager for Royal Voluntary Service in the South, said: “It gives the RVS great pleasure to be able to gift Berkshire Healthcare £5,700.”
Royal Voluntary Service is looking for more volunteers to help at Wokingham Hospital. Anyone interested should email [email protected]
