As I reach my first anniversary as General Manager of the Friends of Conquest Hospital, I find myself looking back at the past twelve months with immense pride and gratitude.
Coming into this role at the end of April last year was a personal journey for me. Having lived in Hastings for over 40 years, literally watching the Conquest being built from my school art room windows, and following in the footsteps of my father, who served here as a Consultant Surgeon. This hospital has always been part of my life. To spend this past year working alongside such a dedicated community to support our local NHS has been an absolute privilege.
It has been a year of significant milestones and forward momentum. Some of the highlights that stay with me include:
· Impactful Investment: At our recent AGM, we were proud to report that over £145,000 was invested back into vital hospital equipment this year. From advanced surgical and diagnostic tools to improved bed side chairs and a AV projector-based game for children, these “extras” are only possible because of your generosity.
· A Landmark Change in Membership: One of our most exciting steps forward has been the launch of our new membership tiers. We believe “Friends don’t charge friends to be friends,” which is why we’ve made the landmark decision to offer free membership. We want to remove every barrier to joining our community, ensuring that anyone who cares about the Conquest can have a voice.
· Community Presence: From representing the Friends at the Houses of Parliament to cheering on local schools like Staplecross MCP in their upcoming Colour Run, and welcoming the public to a variety of events, seeing the community rally behind us has been inspiring.
· The Power of Local Support: Whether it’s corporate partners joining as members or supporting specific events or the individual volunteers who keep our trading operations running, every contribution ensures that 100% of our donations go directly to where they are needed most.
The NHS continues to face challenging times, with budgets stretched and staff working harder than ever. However, this year has proven that when we come together, we can provide the essential equipment and amenities that make a world of difference to patients, their families, and our hardworking hospital colleagues.
In the coming year we are looking to increase our presence in the community still further; to purchase more important equipment, to refurbish three more of the outside spaces in the hospital and to introduce a new Arts in Healthcare programme. The future looks just as exciting.
Thank you for your unwavering support of the Friends. Here’s to many more years of working together to keep healthcare local and thriving.