25 June 2012
NHSG/67/12
Friends of Woodend donate ambulance
The Friends of Woodend will be presenting the keys to a brand new ambulance to staff at the hospital on Tuesday 26th June at 2.30pm at the South Block entrance.
The Friends of Woodend group celebrated their 50th anniversary last year and wanted to mark this event with a major donation. Freda Mitchell, Chairwoman of the Friends of Woodend said: "The Friends group was formed to provide additional comforts and support for long stay patients - everything from knitted blankets and cushions to electrical goods and music concerts. This is our biggest purchase to date and we are thrilled that it is here to mark our big anniversary."
We are delighted that we have been able to supply this new ambulance which is already in great demand for taking patients for tests or treatments at appointments."
The ambulance is used to transport patients for tests and x-rays on the Woodend site and sometimes down to ARI for specific tests.
Julie Fletcher, general manager said: "I would like to sincerely thank the Friends of Woodend Hospital for their support over the last 50 years on behalf of both the staff and patients at Woodend. This support has come in various shapes and forms but has always been greatly appreciated and has made patients' stay more comfortable. Their donation of a new ambulance is such a generous gift. This ambulance will enhance the care we can give to patients at Woodend for many years to come."
Labour MP Anne Begg, spent months at Woodend Hospital earlier this year and was on the 'maiden voyage' of the ambulance during her stay. She will formally accept the ambulance on behalf of Woodend patients. Dame Anne said: "The dedicated ambulance for Woodend has already made a huge difference for the transporting of patients around the Woodend site. It has certainly cut out delays in getting patients from their ward to other departments."