Warrington Hospital thanks League of Friends for 63 years of support

Generations of volunteers who have helped make patients’ time at Warrington Hospital more comfortable are being thanked as the Warrington League of Friends brings its work to a close.

Founded in December 1963, the group have raised millions of pounds for equipment and facilities while providing a friendly welcome and practical support to patients, families and staff.

Chris Chambers, who trained and worked as a nurse at Warrington Hospital between 1968 and 1986, is among those who returned to the hospital as a volunteer.

During her nursing career, Chris worked in acute and general medicine and spent 12 years as a sister on Ward 17. She joined the League of Friends in 2012 and became treasurer in 2014.

Speaking about her involvement, Chris said: “The League of Friends was always a familiar part of hospital life when I worked here, and I remember thinking that when I retired, I would like to give something back by becoming a volunteer myself.

“I started on the hospital help desk before becoming treasurer, and it has been a privilege to see what we have achieved together.”

Over the years, volunteers have welcomed visitors to the hospital, supported the charity shop and offered cups of tea to patients and relatives in the Emergency Department (A&E). They have also provided packs for people unexpectedly admitted to hospital, helped patients attend religious services and delivered Christmas gifts to children.

Alongside these everyday acts of kindness, the group funded equipment including wheelchairs, hearing screening equipment for babies and specialist pressure-relieving cushions, as well as furniture for family and bereavement rooms.

“I’m proud to have played a part in making patients’ time in hospital as comfortable as possible. I would like to thank every volunteer who has given their time, and the people of Warrington and hospital staff for their generosity and support over the years,” Chris said.

More recently, the League of Friends funded a digital scanner for the Orthodontics Department, allowing staff to take images of patients’ teeth and gums without traditional dental impressions.

Ian Edwards, consultant orthodontist at North Cheshire and Merse

y NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The scanner has made a real difference to our patients, particularly children and those who may feel anxious about dental treatment.

“Instead of using the traditional moulding material, we can now take quick, accurate digital scans of patients’ teeth and gums. This makes the experience much more comfortable and helps us plan treatment more effectively.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the League of Friends for funding this equipment and helping us improve the care we provide.”

As a final way to give back to the hospital, Warrington Hospital’s League of Friends made a generous £140,000 donation to WHH Charity to help fund a new outdoor balcony for the Intensive Care Unit.

Their donation, alongside support from WHH Charity, helped create a space where patients can enjoy fresh air and spend time with loved ones away from the ward.

The group officially closed their doors in late October, but their contribution will live on through the equipment and facilities they helped provide and in the memories of the many people who experienced the volunteers’ kindness.

Anyone wishing to continue supporting Warrington Hospital can do so by donating to or fundraising for WHH Charity. Visit their website to find out more.