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Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949

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Basildon Hospital and Community League of Friends

Basildon, Essex

The photo shows the front of the League of Friends shop located inside the hospital

Basildon Hospital and Community League of Friends was formed over 50 years ago and, through their tea-bar at Basildon Hospital, which is run entirely by their dedicated volunteers, has raised an impressive £1.6 million. The Money they make from sales is regularly ploughed back into equipment to benefit patients at the hospital.

They have around 300-400 customers visit and purchase from the tea-bar each day. The tea-bar is open from 10am – 2pm and manned by a rotation of 25 volunteers.

2019

Before Covid, they funded a children’s entertainer who would come along weekly to put on shows for the children in hospital. They also purchased 3000 toiletry packs for patients who arrive at the hospital with no personal items.

2021

The tea-bar reopens after precautions to make it Covid safe.

2023

Basildon Hospital’s Critical Care Outreach Team received an additional supply of oxygen delivery systems courtesy of the League of Friends voluntary group. The three Oxygen Venturi Airvo devices provide patients with access to 100% supplementary humidified oxygen when required. Collectively the systems cost over £9,000 and will benefit patients on any ward where a need for additional respiratory support has been identified.