There is a very active League of Friends of Fairford Hospital. Although the in-patient beds at the hospital have been closed, the Friends continue to provide a number of highly valuable services to support patients in the community.The Chairman, David Phillips, would be pleased to hear from anyone interested in assisting with any of these important voluntary activities. He can be contacted on 01285 850322 or ask at Reception for his e-mail address.
LINK WITH PROSPECT HOSPICE, WROUGHTON In April 2008 a 1 year pilot scheme was established to allow patients registered with the Fairford and Lechlade GP practices to have access to the excellent care and support provided by Prospect Hospice, both at the hospice and in the home. This have been very successful and has been extended into 2009/10.
http://www.prospect-hospice.net/
SUPPORTING OUTPATIENT SERVICES -
At the end of 2008 ,The Friends donated funds towards the setting up of new Xray facilities at Fairford Hospital. This now provides Xrays for patients seen in the Consultant clinics and also GP referrals.
FOOT CARE SERVICE - from December 2008
This new service supplements the NHS podiatry service which can only help certain patients. Many older people struggle to cut their toe nails and this service funded by The League of Friends will hopefully fill this important gap in the service provided by the NHS.
VOLUNTARY CAR SERVICE
This service is provided by voluntary drivers who transport patients to the Surgery or hospital appointments when it is not possible for family or friends to take them. A small charge is made, depending on the mileage involved. . Additional voluntary drivers who are prepared to take patients to Swindon, Gloucester or Cheltenham are urgently required. If you are interested in helping, please leave your name and telephone number with Reception and someone from the Friends will contact you.
DRUG DELIVERY SERVICE
The Friends run a drug delivery service for elderly patients living more than two miles from the practice, whose drugs are dispensed by the practice and who are unable to get to the Surgery to collect their drugs
PHYSIOTHERAPY
The Friends have for many years funded a physiotherapy service for older or disabled people. Referrals are via the GP.
THE EDNA DAWES LUNCH CLUB
Meets every Monday at Fairford Hospital.Transport can be provided. Coffee and lunch along with some social activities are provided for a small charge.
HOME NURSING SERVICE
This works in cooperation with the NHS district nurses and is particularly for patients who are seriously ill and wish to stay at home. The Doctor may advise whether this is appropriate.
COUNSELLING
The Friends subsidise the cost of a Counselling service provided at the Surgery. Referral is through your GP. Patients are asked to make a donation to the cost.The Friends are also supporting a Counselling service for young people at Farmors' school.
' PEOPLE FOR YOU' REPRESENTATIVE
Signposting - advising people about the various statutory and voluntary organisations available to provide help, advice and support.
Volunteering - seeking suitable volunteers to provide a befriending service for older people in the community, especially those recently discharged from hospital.
The Local 'PEOPLE FOR YOU' representative is
Sue Black, Community Centre, Fairford GL7 4BB
Mobile telephone number 07507 641815, email Sue.black@cotswold.gov.uk
Availability - Every Monday 10-12am at Fairford Hospital and she also does home visits.