York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has paid tribute to the Friends of Bridlington Hospital as the charity prepares to close after more than 70 years of dedicated support for the hospital and its patients.
Members, volunteers and supporters recently gathered at Bridlington Hospital for a special event celebrating the remarkable legacy of the Friends, which was established in 1953 and has since raised more than £500,000 to enhance care for local people.
Over seven decades, the Friends have funded equipment, patient comforts and environmental improvements that have touched the lives of thousands of patients and supported hospital staff to provide the very best care.
Their generosity has funded a wide range of projects, from digital tablets that helped patients stay connected with loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic to specialist televisions for Children’s Outpatients and Audiology services, toiletries for patients admitted unexpectedly, Christmas gifts, hoists, bladder scanners, drugs trolleys, endoscopic equipment and improvements to hospital gardens and patient areas.
Most recently, a £25,000 donation has funded an ophthalmology eyeball model, a bladder scanner and a stroke rehabilitation tool, continuing the Friends’ long tradition of investing in services that make a real difference to patients.
Clare Smith, Chief Executive of York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The Friends of Bridlington Hospital have been an extraordinary part of the hospital’s story for more than 70 years. Their generosity, dedication and unwavering commitment have made a lasting difference to thousands of patients, their families and our colleagues.
“While it’s sad to see this chapter come to an end, the legacy they’ve created will live on through the equipment they’ve funded, the environments they’ve improved and, most importantly, the care they’ve helped make possible. On behalf of everyone at the Trust, I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to every volunteer, fundraiser and supporter who has been part of this incredible journey.”
Rachel Brook, Head of York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity, added: “The Friends of Bridlington Hospital have shown just what can be achieved when a community comes together to support its local hospital. Their commitment over the past seven decades has been inspiring, and we are incredibly grateful for everything they have done.
“We hope their remarkable legacy will inspire future generations to continue supporting Bridlington Hospital. Every donation, whatever its size, helps us provide projects, equipment and enhancements that go beyond NHS funding and make a real difference to patients and their families.”
The Trust also recognised the countless volunteers who have given their time, energy and compassion over the years, often working quietly behind the scenes simply because they cared about their local hospital and community.
Although the Friends of Bridlington Hospital is closing, local people who would like to continue supporting services at Bridlington Hospital can do so through York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity, the Trust’s official charity. Donations help fund equipment, projects and enhancements that go beyond NHS funding to improve the experience of patients and their families.
The Trust hopes the spirit of generosity that inspired the Friends’ formation in 1953 will continue for many years to come, ensuring Bridlington Hospital remains at the heart of its community.
