Open Meeting Thursday 15 September 2011
The meeting commenced with the Chairman Hilary Workman reminding members that the next meeting would be the AGM and subscriptions would be due.
Hilary then introduced Candy Baker, Chair of Stratton Hospital League of Friends and Ray Hockin, the Fund Raising Co-ordinator for the League £1m appeal.
Candy started by explaining about a meeting she attended in Truro during the mid 1980’s when there was discussion about extra funding for health services in Cornwall, but allocation of these funds appeared to be from West Cornwall to Bodmin, meaning North Cornwall was not included. Candy decided that this was not good enough for North Cornwall so decided to look further into the provision of services, including Palliative Care, because at that time, the only hospice care was at St Austell. Stratton Hospital was known to be the second oldest in the country (Now probably the oldest, circa 1867). Stratton Hospital was ageing and needed attention to be ‘fit for purpose’, which could be done by closing 2/3 beds, fitting two more wash hand basins and redecorating. After many long discussions with the Primary Care Trust, Candy finally asked what the shortfall was in money terms, to bring the hospital up to standard for the 21st century and provide dedicated Palliative Care units. At that time the PCT said they could fund £1.8m, but another £1m would be needed. It was then agreed that the League of Friends would stage an appeal to raise these funds, which began at the end of July 2010 and now stands at £380.000.
Candy then gave a potted history of the hospital. Dr John King, a GP in the area was the founder, providing care in a rented house. Funds of £90 had been raised by subscribers in 1867 and a year later the opening of a newly built hospital took place (please note the outer wall of the cottage hospital will still stand and be part of the new build!) and was maintained by voluntary contributions virtually on a shoe string. Electric light was installed in 1908 and hot and cold water in 1909. Private subscription provided an ambulance in 1910 at a cost of £30-16s-6d. Dr John sadly died in 1917 and did not live to see the operating theatre opened. The freehold of the land was donated by Col. George Thynne. Dr Arthur King, son of Dr John took over and was responsible for much needed modernisation including the installation of X Ray facilities in 1926. The League of Friends have continued the heritage to improve the facilities with generous donations from the public and patients and have worked to raise funds to maintain, refurbish and purchase specialist equipment and also to generally support the staff to deliver the superb care which Stratton Hospital is known.
Candy stressed the urgency of the need to raise £1m to part match fund for the interior of the new build hospital which will provide three four bed units with en-suite facilities, one day case unit and four single en-suite rooms with overnight pull down beds for relatives in the case of very ill patients, two of which will be dedicated Palliative Care Suites. There will be a special therapy room where Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy can be given.
Ray Hockin showed detailed plans of the project and told how the people of the area are being very generous and responding to the appeal. He quoted some of the events which have been held and asked for as many as possible to look at the website, which is www,strattonhospitalfriends.org.uk and also to look at the Natwest.com/communityforce website, under Health & Welfare from 26th September where voting for a chosen charity could help our appeal. (Please vote for us & ask your friends to) He said the first phase was now open and the staff delighted with the new placement of the consulting rooms. Students from Budehaven School were asked to enter a competition to design a logo for the new League of Friends Badge. Ten entries were submitted giving the Trustees a difficult job to decide the winner, who was Gareth Hill. Members and friends now wear the badge with pride. When questioned, Ray said that the parking situation was an ongoing problem, but to have a hospital at last, which will be fit for purpose for a long time and to have the ideal accommodation to encourage visiting consultants to come to see patients nearer to their homes was in itself a bonus.
Candy briefly touched on the governance and explained that Primary Care Trusts will be devolved by 2013. Community Health Services will change on 1st October 2011 and become a Social Enterprise, a not for profit organisation using the name of Peninsula Community Health. Hubs are being formed across the county, the first one being piloted in the east of the county.( Bude is now in the east of the county!) Health and Social Care will be coordinated from one point. This will hopefully help patients with long term conditions, needing attention and treatment from several clinicians and services. They will only need one assessment which should save time, money and above all stress to the patient.
Candy and Ray were thanked by Eve Tilsley for their most interesting and informative talk
Lucille Opie
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