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Friends Voices

Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949

The League of Friends of the Deeside Community Hospital

Deeside

A group of people standing in front of a Christmas tree in a hospital ward

The League of Friends of the Deeside Community Hospital  is a dedicated group of volunteers who work tirelessly to enhance the experience of patients and support the staff at Deeside Hospital. This team manages a refreshment bar within the hospital for the convenience of patients and visitors, creating a welcoming space and contributing to the hospital’s friendly atmosphere. Their main focus, however, is on fundraising to secure additional resources that improve patient care and ease the workload of hospital staff. Through their efforts, they have been able to fund essential diagnostic equipment, such as an ultrasound scanner, allowing patients to receive vital care locally.


1992

Deeside Community Hospital was officially opened by Her Majesty the Queen, with 44 beds available for patient care.

2000-2010

Bishop Gregory Cameron visited Deeside Hospital each year as part of his commitment to supporting the hospital community, marking this as a regular event in his annual schedule.

2019

A large group of people standing around a decorative garden bench

The League of Friends at Deeside Community Hospital raised £21,000 and purchased six new endoscopes for hospital use, where previously the department only had one scope. These scopes may be used for diagnostic procedures and speech/language services to assist patients with a compromised swallow. Additionally, the League provided funding for two hairdressers to work on the wards, a welcome improvement for patients staying at the hospital.

2021

Lord Barry Jones With June Nixon And Bishop Gregory Web

June Nixon, Chair of the League of Friends, raised hundreds of pounds for the hospital by baking and decorating 75 Christmas cakes, with the final cake raffled in a special event attended by Bishop Gregory and Lord Barry.

2021

Bishop Gregory With Lord Barry Meeting Clare Roberts In Deeside Hospital Web 1024x681

Bishop Gregory Cameron visited the hospital to meet staff, patients, and members of the League, acknowledging the invaluable support of the volunteers and highlighting the role of hairdressers in enhancing patient well-being.

2024

Lord Barry, who has been the President of the League of Friends for 19 years, praised the League’s exemplary work, describing it as one of the leading organizations in England and Wales.

Deeside Community Hospital entrance Geograph.org.uk 42952

Stories from The League of Friends of the Deeside Community Hospital

Following her death, Robert Fox talks about the life of his Mum, Kath. Robert tells of her early life as the daughter of a miner, and gives insights into both the challenges of that life, as well as Kath and her families determination to take advantage of those challenges.

Listen 00:16:32

Story: - Deeside

From an early age Megan helped others and this led to a life long career in nursing. Alongside this she began helping with the League of Friends, an involvement that spans over 50 years.

Listen 00:09:10

Story: Megan Jolly - Deeside

Caring and volunteering were all part of Jean's life from a young age. This both supported and led to a life long career as a nurse.

Listen 09.29

Story: Jean Ranson - Deeside, Flintshire, Wales

"Our achievement is we, in Deeside Hospital, we've now got scanners. The hospital management said they would love to have an ultrasound scanner because it saves people going to the acute hospital. So we raised the money for five. I think that's an achievement."

Listen 00:11:08

Story: Irene Ireland - Deeside, Flintshire, Wales

"I think I'm greatly honoured, and I work with lovely people, and I work with very committed, dedicated most honourable people. And I can't praise the League of Friends at Deeside Community Hospital enough. "

Listen 00:16:30

Story: Lord Barry Jones - Deeside, Wales

"I think we learned from each other, and what we were finding...because Leagues of Friends are...have all got their own identity."

Listen 14.53

Story: Kathleen Fox MBE - Deeside