Chairman's Introduction

The Friends of the RUH have just celebrated their 50th anniversary! From small beginnings, a large and effective organisation has been built over the years. The Friends provide amenities, comfort and help for patients and relatives to supplement what the NHS can not afford. We raise money and provide volunteers throughout the RUH. Few hospitals have anything to match us!

Last year we raised over £400,000. We run a popular Coffee Shop and busy general shop, and organise events such as this years summer Fete which raised nearly £9500. We fund major items such as the recently opened Patient Advice and Liason Office at the main entrance, and many smaller ones such as furniture for the discharge lounge and a Christmas party for the children.

As well as fundraising, we have around 300 volunteers working in 20 different teams around the hospital. They provide an invaluable range of services, and there is work to suit everyone for as much or as little time as you want.

The RUH is a busy hospital serving around 500,000 people and the Friends need more volunteers every year. I do hope you will consider joining us, either as a volunteer or simply as a Friends member.