The popularity of NHS hospitals in Leicestershire and Rutland is beyond doubt. Even in these straitened times businesses and members of the pubic give about £5 million to the Leicester Hospitals Charity.
But, as Novus members learned from Senior Community Fundraising Assistant Lydia Sharman-Thompson that takes a lot of effort in promoting, liaising and managing. She gave members a thorough insight into how the 18-strong charity team operates. Often, Lydia explained, grateful former patients and their families offer to raise money for equipment that they came to realise was needed. The charity’s team also seeks advice from senior management about what the charity can provide that the NHS cannot.
Novus members were surprised to see in Lydia’s presentation just how significant were the donations from the hospitals’ own staff members.
Projects costing more than £10,000 have to be approved by a special committee. One such is the plan to bring all the children’s hospital facilities under one roof at Leicester Royal Infirmary. That work is expected to come to fruition in 2027.
A £2 million project which Lydia referred to is the creation of a spiritual care centre to provide a space for peace and tranquility for patients, relatives and staff. This was of particular interest to Novus Rotary members as one of their past presidents, Kartar Singh Bring, is the lead chaplain for the University Hospitals of Leicester Trust. In fact Kartar is the first Sikh to hold such a position in the UK.
Lydia outlined to Novus members the various ways that members of the public can continue to show their gratitude and love for the NHS hospitals in Leicestershire and Rutland. Perhaps the easiest way is to follow the link to www.LHCharity.org.uk
Last edited 22:45 on Thursday, 14.03.2024
