It seems timely to give an update of what is happening with Stroud Hospitals League of Friends as we near the end of our initial emergency response to COVID 19 at both of the hospitals and within the community. So far we have distributed around £25,000 on PPE, accommodation for nursing staff, support for local GPs, and a contribution to The Long Table for their emergency response. As you can imagine, both Stroud hospitals have risen extraordinarily well to the challenge and are now planning a return to more normal services where possible, as well as remaining in a state of preparedness for any second spike, and are getting ready for the usual ‘winter pressures’. We wish them well and they are aware that we are here to support them. However, it will be some time before the return of the League of Friends volunteers within the hospital can be considered.
We have had to suspend the Respite Care scheme at Horsfall House as they are unable to deliver that service at the moment, and we will not be able to resume until it is considered safe to do so. Horsfall House have also risen admirably to the challenges of the last few months and we hope to return at some point to provide much needed respite care for local families.