Hospital Friends' generous year

League treasurer Robin Barnett will tell next Wednesday’s 3pm annual meeting in the hall at Bexhill Health Centre that the charity’s assets at the end of 2010 were £2,617,633, an increase of £142,416 on the previous year.

In his annual report, the treasurer says: “The generosity of local people continued, with a magnificent total of £590,604 being received in legacies and donations.

“These included a further £125,832 from the estate of Mrs A.I. Palmer and £130,000 from Mrs E.M. Cull-Candy.

“Some £488,500 was approved as payable on improvements and amenities for Bexhill Hospital and other hospitals used by residents of Bexhill, mainly the Conquest.

“This is an increase of £165,926 on 2009. These included a clinical information system for Critical Care (£135,000), bedside televisions for the Irvine Unit (£61,962) and dialysis machines for the Renal Unit at Bexhill (£33,000).

“The traditional activities such as the garden party, hospital shops, collections outside Sainsbury’s and the provision of refreshments at ‘flu clinics all raised much-appreciated money.

“Our thanks are extended to all those who worked hard to make them a success and to the people of Bexhill who support us.

“The staff of Little Common Pharmacy and Lloyds Bank continue to accept subscriptions on our behalf and we are most grateful for their invaluable help.”

Town Mayor Cllr Jimmy Carroll will be guest of honour at the annual meeting. Darren Grayson, newly-appointed chief executive of East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, will give an update on health service reform