Sixty years after its formation the Spalding hospital League of Friends is going from strength to strength.
Over the years the group, which is officially known as the Friends of Johnson Community Hospital, has fundraised to pay for things ranging from Christmas gifts for patients to hi-tech equipment.
The League of Friends of Spalding Hospitals was formed by a group of women headed by Nellie Fowler.
The aim was to care for the well-being and comfort of patients at the Johnson Hospital and the Mintling Home in Pinchbeck Road which eventually became the Avalon Ward situated opposite the Johnson Hospital.
Some years later, the home moved to Roman Bank and became the Welland Hospital.
The League’s aim in the early days was to provide toiletries, confectionery, outings and gifts to make a patient’s stay in hospital more comfortable.
Today, those aims continue, with a trolley shop manned by the “friends” giving a smile and stopping for a chat. The patients receive a gift at Christmas and on Mothering Sunday.
As technology has advanced, the Friends have raised funds to provide equipment that would not have been possible through the NHS and the expansion of out-patient facilities and more clinics and services are being planned for 2014-15.
Elisabeth Britten, honorary treasurer, said: “Johnson Hospital was founded through a bequest in the wills of the Misses Elizabeth Ann and Mary Ann Johnson, daughters of the Rev Walter Maurice Johnson and dedicated by the Bishop of Lincoln in 1881.
“The cost of building and equipping the hospital was £9,044.9s.4d.
“The League of Friends is a registered charity with trustees drawn from organisations and individuals in the community.
“In recent years the League has launched appeals for scanners and other ‘hi-tech’ equipment which have been supported with donations from businesses and voluntary organisations.
“In 2010, HRH Princess Anne was invited to formally open the new hospital. She spent a happy time with staff and patients making it a very special day of celebration.
“The new name ‘The Johnson Community Hospital’ depicts the special relationship with all the people of South Holland.
“It is ‘our’ hospital where the doctors, nurses and staff are perpetuating the ideals laid down so many years ago.”
The Friends are holding a summer fayre from 2pm-4pm in the grounds of the hospital on June 7 to celebrate 60 years of service in the community.
