The League of Friends (LOF) has an excellent history of raising funds, with over £8 million raised by the LOF to date from its inception in 1954. This has enabled the completion of major improvement projects at Teddington Memorial Hospital which have greatly benefitted patients and staff.
Fundraising in the 1960s
In 1962 the Chappell Ward day room opened financed by former patients and the League of Friends. A similar project to provide a day room for the Grace Anderson Ward followed in 1965.
The Physiotherapy Department opened in 1964 financed by the LOF via the people of Teddington and the surrounding area, and sponsored by the Teddington Rotary Club.
In 1968 the Male Ward Day room was built as a result of the LOF Teddington Hospital Improvement Scheme campaign and the hospital fete.
Improvements in the 1970s
1971 saw the solarium of Male Ward upgraded and furnished by the League of Friends. In addition, an extension of two surgeries for Consultants financed by voluntary contributions.
The centenary year of the original building, Elfin Grove Villas was commemorated in 1975 with various fundraising events including a concert and a barbecue.
Between 1975 and 1978 the League of Friends purchased equipment totalling £7,646.30. This money was raised from numerous events including the Winter Wonderland and Festive Fayre bazaars, coffee mornings, tea parties and a Michaelmas Supper, together with generous donations.
1980s campaign to save the hospital
The in-patient facilities at the Hospital were threatened with closure in 1982 so LOF organised a campaign to save the hospital with over 35,000 petition signatures received objecting to the proposal. In October 1983 LOF organised a 24-hour candle-lit vigil attended by over 2,000 people. In December, Health Minister Kenneth Clarke reprieved the hospital.
In the years following, LOF mounted large appeals to raise funds for a massive programme of improvement. The new X-Ray Department was completed in 1987 and work commenced on a £300,000 22 bed GP Unit in 1989.
Developments in the 90s and early 2000s
With generous support, the LOF funded a new Ultra sound and Mammography Unit in 1991 at a total cost of £150,000. In 1994 work was completed on the £185,000 outpatient and minor surgery extension funded by the LOF.
An appeal fund for £460,000 for refurbishment projects was launched in 1995 and the Hospital Chapel for All Faiths was completed in 1998 funded by the LOF at a cost of £195,000.
In 2004 the LOF launched an appeal for £900,000 to fund a large project of modernisation including a brand-new X-Ray Department which was a major factor in attaining funding from the Department of Health for the new Walk in Centre.
Fundraising over the last decade
From 2014 to 2018 the LOF raised over £2million and launched a pioneering partnership with GP practices in the Borough to enhance Out of Hours Service. Patients get the care need from home and avoid overcrowded A&E departments by speaking to or being seen by a TMH doctor.
In 2018/19 via £168,000 of donations, LOF funded a complete redesign of the Reception Area. These upgrades have made an enormous difference to patient experience, with improved confidentiality at the reception desk and more comfortable seating.
During the pandemic, LOF funded and coordinated 5619 excellent quality meals for local NHS staff when teams were working so hard to care for patients. Food was kindly provided by local restaurants and cafes.
These examples show how a stunning total of approximately £8 million has been raised through the LOF for improvements and equipment to Teddington Memorial Hospital over the years.
The Trustees meet each month to consider the hospital’s needs and decide on the allocation of money to provide items requested or to contribute to major projects for the benefit of patients.
How you can help
There are many ways you can get involved with the LOF and add to the £8 million raised to date.
One of the easiest ways is to simply donate using the Donate button on this page. Or when you’re visiting the hospital simply tap the contactless donation point to give a £3 donation or drop your coins or notes in the slot.
Every donation, from a handful of change to a substantial legacy, is much appreciated by the LOF, TMH staff and your community.
To find out more click Get involved to join, donate or volunteer.