What do we do?
We support the running of the hospital by providing equipment and services that the NHS cannot, or is unable to, provide. That’s not just replacing life-expired items but other things that make the patient’s stay more comfortable. Recently we have provided a reclining chair, a blood fridge, a floor scrubber, air mattresses, a bed hoist and paying for the update and maintenance of a staff locator system. All this costing over £30,000.
We also pay for the provision of a Link Worker. Their role is to ensure a patient being discharged returns to a safe home and any assistance or safety devices are fitted. Also, they make sure there is food in the fridge.
Regular spending provides newspapers, water fountains, non-slip discharge slippers and the maintenance of the sensory garden. We also provide the staff with tea and coffee which is the least we can do.
In the light of changes in the way care is provided we have changed our constitution to support care in the community and we have donated equipment to the community care team.
We are also active in the health community and, whilst we are not politically motivated, we have been lobbying in political circles and the Torbay Trust for the re-instatement of the Minor Injuries Unit at the hospital. After 6 years of campaigning, this was finally re-opened in April 2024.
These are some examples of the projects the Friends of Dawlish Hospital have funded:
