For more than 70 years, the Friends of Teddington Memorial Hospital has worked hand-in-hand with the local community to support and enhance community care at the hospital and beyond.
Since its beginnings in 1954, over £8 million has been raised to fund projects that go beyond what the NHS alone can provide, a remarkable testament to local generosity and shared purpose.
What follows is a journey through some of the many projects, over the last 30 years, that your support has made possible.
Building Strong Foundations (1990s – 2000s)
A landmark project came in 1998, when the Friends funded the Hospital Chapel for All Faiths. This £195,000 investment created a peaceful, inclusive space for reflection and comfort, something that continues to support patients, families, and staff today.
In 2006–2007, the Friends helped deliver a major step forward in clinical capability by raising £900,000 for a new Imaging Department and rehabilitation unit, bringing advanced diagnostic technology closer to the community.
Shortly after, in 2008, £35,000 was raised to fund a new Pathology Link, allowing blood test results to be transmitted electronically to doctors and consultants, a significant improvement in efficiency and patient care.
By 2009, further fundraising of £43,000 supported a landscaped patient garden, new cardiac clinic monitors, additional wheelchairs, and even the refurbishment of the hospital clock, small but meaningful improvements that enhanced both care and environment.
Expanding Services and Patient Access (2010s)
Between 2014 and 2018, the Friends funded one of its most ambitious initiatives: a pioneering enhanced GP Out-of-Hours Service. With over £2 million raised, this project enabled patients to access a dedicated doctor outside normal hours and even receive home visits, reducing pressure on A&E departments and improving access to care across the borough.
In 2018–2019, attention turned to the patient experience within the hospital itself, with the refurbishment of the reception area to improve both operational efficiency and patient confidentiality, an important step in modernising the hospital environment.
Responding in Times of Need and Enhancing Wellbeing (2020s)
During challenging times, the Friends continued to step up. In one particularly positive initiative during the Covid outbreak, over 5,600 meals were provided to NHS staff with help of local cafes and restaurants, across Teddington Memorial Hospital and Whitton Corner Health Clinic during a critical period, supporting frontline teams when they needed it most.
In 2022, Munira Wilson, MP for Twickenham, opened a second paediatric audiology screening room at Teddington Memorial Hospital funded by The Friends. More local children with hearing problems will now get the care they need quickly.
In 2023, volunteers and community partners came together to deliver a hospital garden makeover, creating a more accessible, calming outdoor space for patients and staff alike, reinforcing the importance of wellbeing in recovery.
More recent projects have focused on comfort, accessibility, and inclusivity:
- A revamped paediatric waiting area and garden, designed to improve the experience for young patients and their families.
- The provision of modern wheelchairs, improving patient safety and mobility throughout the hospital.
- Innovative initiatives such as dementia-friendly enhancements and therapeutic activities, helping create a more supportive and inclusive hospital environment.
A Transformational Project: The Woodland Suite Pain Clinic
One of the most significant recent achievements is the creation of the Woodland Suite Pain Clinic, a £2.5 million outpatient facility designed to transform care for people living with chronic pain.
The Friends contributed more than £150,000 to elevate the clinic beyond standard NHS provision, funding high-quality interior design, specialist furniture, and calming features that prioritise patient wellbeing.
The project has delivered:
- A modern, purpose-built space bringing multiple services together under one roof
- Therapeutic and sensory gardens to support recovery
- Artwork created by local children, embedding community involvement into the space itself
- Thoughtful additions such as improved seating, décor, and even refreshments to enhance comfort
This project perfectly captures what the Friends stand for: transforming clinical spaces into environments that truly care for the whole person.
A New Chapter: Supporting Preventative Care in the Community
In recent years, the Friends has expanded its remit beyond the hospital itself, supporting innovative community projects that focus on prevention, wellbeing, and long-term health.
A wonderful example is the community fitness partnership with Richmond Mencap at the Cambrian Community Centre gym. This initiative created supported gym sessions for people with learning disabilities, offering a safe, welcoming environment to build confidence, improve fitness, and enhance overall wellbeing. Participants have already reported positive changes in their health and confidence, highlighting the powerful impact of inclusive, community-based support.
Similarly, the Friends funded trial dance classes for people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at the Richmond Rehabilitation Unit. These carefully designed sessions included both standing and seated options, helping participants improve strength, balance, posture, and coordination. Just as importantly, they fostered a sense of joy, connection, and confidence, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from those who took part.
These projects represent an important shift: supporting people not only when they are unwell, but helping them stay active, connected, and healthier for longer.
Powered by Community
Every one of these projects. from major capital developments to small but meaningful improvements, has been made possible by the continued support of the local community. Donations, legacies, fundraising events, partnerships, and volunteering have all played a vital role in turning ideas into reality.
Time and again, it is community generosity that allows the Friends to go beyond the basics, to add those extra touches that make a real difference to patient comfort, dignity, and recovery.
Looking Ahead
The story of the Friends of Teddington Memorial Hospital is still being written. As healthcare continues to evolve, so too will the needs of the hospital, wider health community care, and its patients.
With the continued backing of the community, the Friends will remain at the heart of that journey, championing projects that enhance care, support staff, and ensure that Teddington Memorial Hospital and its community remains a place of excellence and compassion
If you have supported the Friends in any way, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, thank you. These achievements are yours as much as ours.