MORE than £9,000 was handed out by the Friends of the Richardson Hospital last year to support community healthcare in Teesdale and the charity is keen to do more.
Speaking at the Friends annual meeting, honorary treasurer Vince Blaeford said the past 12 months had been a relatively “low year” for expenditure and income.
For the year ending December 31, 2020, the friends group had £147,734 in the bank – this is down £4,685 from the previous year.
Mr Blaeford said having £4,685 less wasn’t necessarily “bad news”.
He added: “Charities are not supposed to hoard money and we have quite a lot of money which is a great position to be in.
“I personally would like to see that trend continue because we want to see the funds get out into the community for the good of the community. We are known as a source of good in the area. The hospital is always grateful for all we do.”
Despite not being able to host the usual raffle and Vintage Fair, the group was still able to raise £4,467.
Craft income, market stalls and a late-night shopping event at Andalucia, in Barnard Castle, brought in £866 and £600 was raised through new online strategies. The group handed out £9,566 including more than £7,968 on equipment and improvements at the Richardson Hospital.
Among the items purchased by the group was a Raizer chair at £2,698, used to assist people who have fallen at home. Television headphones, toiletry packs, aromatherapy oils and urinalysis were also purchased.
The Friends also invested £859 for a vaccine fridge to help with the Covid-19 vaccination clinic, which is being operated at the hospital. Additional sundry items were also bought to assist the effort.
During the pandemic the group also provided a collection point for laundry bags, headbands, face shields and other useful items made in the community which were distributed to staff at the hospital and local care homes.
Iris Hillery, honorary secretary, said the vaccination clinic, which has been running at the hospital since December and is operated by local GP practices, has received positive responses in the community. Other regular clinics are also returning with the beds in the Starling Ward being well used, she added,
Ms Hillery said increased awareness of the hospital in Teesdale, especially in younger people, due to the vaccination clinic was positive and could lead to new members. She said: “All of our income is raised in Teesdale and spent in Teesdale. New members are welcome and our meetings, online or in person, are open to any member of the community to attend.”
For more information about the Friends of the Richardson Hospital, visit their website at www.forh.org.uk.
