Rugby MP Mark Pawsey has shown his support for beloved local charity the Friends of the Hospital of St Cross when he joined their recent collection at the Sainsbury’s superstore on Dunchurch Road.
The Friends vital fundraising services in support of Rugby’s local hospital have helped to enable a greater range of support for patients, including the Flexible Outpatient Cystoscopy Urogynaecology Service. Donations from the Friends of St Cross mean that rather than being treated at under general anaesthetic at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, patients can instead be treated in Rugby during an outpatient procedure.
Fresh from his fundraising assistance, Mark also spoke last week in the House of Commons about the valuable role played by hospital charities such as the Friends of St Cross. He joined Conservative MP Douglas Ross, MP for Moray in praising the work of volunteers who support their local hospitals and health service. The Leader of the House of Commons, the Rt. Hon. Andrea Leadsom MP, also praised the “superb work of the Friends of St Cross and all volunteers as we celebrate the 70th birthday of the NHS.”
Mark said:
“Living in Rugby I know just how important local health services are for residents. Many of us will know about the work the Friends of the Hospital of St Cross for our local hospital, but without the support of residents they would not be able to make such a difference. I was once again amazed by the generosity of the people of Rugby when I joined the Friends for their fundraising at Sainsbury’s on a busy Sunday morning.”
Mark continued:
“The Friends of St Cross have managed to raise money to help improve a number of services at our local hospital, including providing an Oxford Pillow which helps patients who otherwise would not be able to lie flat for surgery be treated at St Cross. The Friends also do amazing work helping patients during their treatment, providing support at what is often a very difficult time and running all manner of non-medical services such as the Friends Tea Bar.”
Mark concluded:
“I was very pleased that the Leader of the House recognised the valuable contribution of the Friends of St Cross and other charities like them. What really stands out to me from my time supporting them is even with the additional £394m the Government is investing in our NHS every single week, there is still a crucial role for volunteers in supporting the health service and I hope to see the Friends of St Cross continue for many years to come.”