Past Activites
Total value of gifts over the years 2000/2001 to August 2012 amounts to £72,707.
In addition to the items shown on the link many other items of equipment and aids to patients have been provided over the years of which a major project involved the commissioning and ongoing maintenance of the patients' garden and ornamental fountain. The cost of this was in excess of £20,000 raised through LOF fundraising and through generous donations by outside bodies. The garden has become a favourite place for patients, visitors and staff to relax and enjoy the fresh air in a secure environment.
The garden was funded and created around 1990 under the leadership of the then Vice- Chairman Sir David Scott.
The LOF continue to maintain the garden and hold the annual garden party there.
2012 AGM
The Guest speaker at the AGM was Cliff Bush CBE from Surrey LINk who has unrivalled experience of local health services , has fought for local services for a long time and worked hard in support of the retention of Milford as a specialist rehabilitation hospital. He had a great deal of influence in securing the future of the unit. LINk carries out ongoing inspections. They go round and assess that patients are in the right place getting the right care and then submit their reports to the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Milford is a good holistic environment for recovery that can provide continuing support to get patients back home. Milford is a centre of excellence and as such was assessed for the benefit of the local community, not in a Surrey-wide context.
He described Milford as fit for the future but improved support for the elderly in this area is needed. The Day Assessment and Rehabilitation Centre (DARC) will be a centre of excellence, with therapists also working in the community supporting patients at home, but it needs a rapid access unit. There is a high elderly population and capacity is needed for winter pressures.
Looking to the future, patients need stimulation to improve their care. The Friends can help as mobile TVs can be provided, on trolleys, to go to individuals at reasonable expense.
People often have to stay in hospital because there is no one at home to care for them. Innovations in Telemedicine means that Telecare can ensure they are safe at home.
All those present found his presentation very interesting, with plenty of food for thought. The League of Friends are continuing to support improved patient stimulation, starting with providing newspapers on the trolley round and to the occupational therapy discharge preparation sessions.