The work of Llanelli and District Hospital League of Friends was praised by Llanelli’s Assembly Member, Lee Waters, and the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Sport and Wellbeing, Vaughan Gething, on their recent visit to Prince Philip Hospital.
The Health Secretary and Assembly Member were at the hospital for the launch of the Nurse Staffing Levels (Wales) Act 2016, which places a legal duty on Health Boards to provide sufficient nursing services for its local areas.
The League of Friends, who can often be found in the foyer of the main entrance of Prince Philip Hospital, formed in 1971 and raise funds to be used by the hospital, and in the community, for the benefit of patients. League of Friends’ Chairperson Mrs. Jennifer Hughes explained that this year they have been able to acquire 18 gel cushions, a recliner chair, a digital clock and hearing loops all for the benefit of patients.
Lee Waters said:
“We stopped to chat to volunteers about the League of Friends and discovered that there were three generations of one family on the stall, including 12 year old Eliza – their youngest committee member. We were really impressed that she gives up so much of her time and during the school holidays too!”
Eliza is a pupil at Coedcae school in Llanelli. Her mum, Alex Roe, added:
“My mother started on the stall about five years ago and Eliza got involved when she was about 9 or 10. Then, I started tagging along, so it’s become something of a family tradition.”
The family volunteered at the annual Llanelli and District League of Hospital Friends Hospital Tea on Saturday 2nd December.
Lee Waters, who attended the event, said:
“I was pleased to support this event, and not just for the mince pie! The League of Friends provide an invaluable service to patients in the area. The money they raise provides equipment, for the benefit of patients and staff, that can’t be covered by NHS budgets. I really cannot thank the committee members enough for their dedication to this cause.”
The League of Friends are currently looking for new committee members. They meet every second Wednesday of the month in the boardroom at Prince Philip Hospital. If anyone is interested in becoming a committee member please contact The League of Hospital Friends.
