About Us

Our aim is to make a real difference to the experience people have when they need to come to hospital and to their families and friends who visit them. We encourage membership volunteering and financial support.

The varied services that we provide are designed to relieve some of the pressures of unfamiliar surroundings and unexpected concerns. We also aim to support the introduction of new technology in the hospital when it becomes available. This continuing support means that there is an ever present need for funds.

The League of Friends is a Registered Charity (No. 1070233) and the achievements over the past 56 years have only been possible because of the wonderful support from the New Forest community.

History

Since the Golden Jubilee of the League of Friends in 2002 there has been ample evidence of the efforts that the trustees and members have made to achieve their objectives in helping to build and equip the new hospital. We maintain a close liaison with the Primary Care Trust Management in the continuing development of the hospital for the benefit of patients. The Friends facilitated the move from the old hospital by the purchase of the land for the new hospital. At a cost of £1.55m.

The old hospital Appeal Fund in the 1980's raised £3m.

The patient entertainment system for the new hospital was funded to the tune of £211,000 and we contributed towards a high tech studio for Hospital Radio. A three year agreement to donate £2,500 pa has been made with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Service.

There is now a subsidiary trading company managing the shop and cafe and this company made a very worthwhile contribution of £12,500 last year.