£100,000 donation will help deliver 'Health on the High Street' in the heart of Rugby

A £100,000 donation made to The Friends of St Cross in response to their Platinum Anniversary Appeal will help University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust to deliver some Outpatient services in the heart of Rugby

The Trust is working to improve access to health services for residents by transforming a vacant retail space in the town centre.

The new ‘Health on the High Street’ facility will accommodate expanded services for women’s and children’s, gynaecology and diabetes Outpatient appointments.

UHCW NHS Trust Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Justine Richards, said: "This is just one step in our ambitious long-term plans for the Hospital of St Cross.

“In our Organisation Strategy we set out a vision to be a Trust rooted in our communities and that is what intend to deliver. We will provide care closer to where people live, as well as supporting the regeneration of the town centre.”

The Rugby Group Benevolent Fund has donated the money to the Friends of St Cross, a charity dedicated to supporting the Hospital of St Cross and community services.

Established in 1955, the Benevolent Fund was originally created to support the welfare of employees, former employees and their dependants of Rugby Cement.

Over the years, it has expanded its mission to include charitable causes in communities around former and existing cement plants and quarries. While supported by Cemex UK, the Fund remains independently managed by a board of trustees made up of former employees.

Fund Chair Graeme Fuller said: “We are pleased to support the Friends of St Cross. This donation reflects our commitment to improving the lives of people living and working in our local area.”

Willy Goldschmidt, President of The Friends of St Cross, added: “The Friends are deeply grateful for all the support we have received from the Rugby Group Benevolent Fund.

“With this boost we can bring even more vital services closer to the people of Rugby, making a meaningful difference in our community.”

To see how we are transforming our hospital in Rugby, click here.