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You’ve got a friend indeed: Could you

YOU GOTTA FRIEND: The Yeatman Hospital in Sherborne

By Karen Bate

newsdesk@westdorsetmag.co.uk

The Friends of Yeatman Hospital are searching for three or four big-hearted people to join their band of trustees. This year, the charity arm is recruiting for the positions of chairman, a marketing and communications guru, an events manager, and an independent trustee. You don’t need A levels, or multiple degrees or a million in the bank –although that would be interesting – all you need is a heart, welcome a challenge, enjoy giving and be willing to join Sherborne’s hospital charity. Since the Friends of the Yeatman Hospital was established 70 years ago in July 1951, three years after the founding of the NHS, it has provided funds to support additional facilities and equipment, it has enhance the clinical environment and supported staff training, healthcare provision and has worked for the comfort and dignity of the patients. Its regular source of income is through personal subscriptions which are enhanced by legacies, corporate donations, and fundraising events. During the past seven decades, the Friends have contributed several millions of pounds to support major capital projects, to provide the latest equipment and treatment facilities including ophthalmology, dermatology, audiology, speech and language, stroke recovery and mental health. Today the funds continue to be used to deliver clinical solutions in preventative, recovery and end of life care; out-patient community-based treatment including orthopaedic, physiotherapy, radiotherapy, cancer treatment, emergency blood supplies, community mental health issues and of course support for all in the fight against covid-19. Providing funds in the region of £20,000 to upgrade Stewart Lodge and to support the Rendezvous Emotionally Connected Sherborne are just two of the current projects the Friends have agreed to. The Trustees of The Friends of Yeatman Hospital have had different journeys – here are a few of their stories.

n David Hayes, Chairman of the Friends said: “A community thrives on a foundation of good health and wellbeing, and the Yeatman Hospital provides a substantial contribution to that foundation, while as a Trustee of the Friends it is both an honour and a pleasure to assist in generating and managing the community’s generous donations towards the Yeatman fulfilling its purpose.”

n Retiring member Elizabeth Turnbull explained how she became interested in the charity: “I was asked to join the Friends by a friend, and accepted, as I was very keen to support our local hospital in a practical way, and have never regretted it.”

n Roger Marsh is Chairman of Grove PPG and represents the local Patient Groups. He said: “Having been a Sherborne resident for the whole of my life, I know how much the Yeatman Hospital means to our residents. Being a trustee has given me the opportunity to use my

join the team of hospital’s trustees?

local knowledge to the benefit of the Friends of the Yeatman Hospital.”

n Jill Warburton, former Mayor of Sherborne and Vice-Chair of the Friends tells her own story. “The Yeatman Hospital has been at the heart of our town for 136 years and the opportunity to use my experience, skills and knowledge with the Friends to serve the Sherborne community, and support the Hospital, working with a committed, positive bunch of people, gives me a real sense of purpose and fulfilment.”

n Treasurer John Thompson said: “After retiring from full-time work, I became aware of a need that I felt able to fulfil and that would help to improve the life of the community that has been my home for thirty years.”

n Honourable Secretary Fiona Hartley said: “On moving to Sherborne in 2017 I was pleasantly surprised to find a local hospital. However, it made little impact on me until I damaged my shoulder and received first class treatment in the MIU. Only then did I become fully aware of just how important the Yeatman is to the community. In 2020 when I learned of the recruitment of new trustees, I made a successful application to join the Board of Trustees. Since then, I have been delighted to be able to contribute to the important work on the Friends alongside an impressive group of committed trustees.”

n Peter Neal said: “It was after a public meeting several years ago, in which the future of the Yeatman was discussed, that I was asked if I would like to become involved with the Friends. At that time, my other commitments precluded this. However, as the Hospital is one of Sherborne’s greatest assets, I was only too delighted to be asked again a little later and this time able to accept. It has been an honour to serve as a trustee.”

n Amanda Whitlock said: “The Yeatman Hospital has a central role within the community of Sherborne and I feel privileged to have an opportunity to be part of its future in the town. I was born locally and I feel passionately that the services the Yeatman provides are vital for local residents.”

n Tony Meehan, who steps down in September said: “I retired to Sherborne, and becoming a Trustee was an opportunity to offer my time, knowledge and experience to the Friends, and in doing so become part of an established group, working to the benefit of the community, not to mention keeping me occupied and mentally engaged.”

David Hayes

Roger Marsh

John Thompson

Peter Neal Elizabeth Turnbull

Jill Warburton

Fiona Hartley

Amanda Whitlock

n If you would like to apply or want more details visit friendsofthe yeatman.org.uk