The Friends of St Cross have marked an historical milestone after reaching £4 million in donations to benefit the NHS and patient care in Rugby.

Most of the money has supported the Hospital of St Cross, Rugby but the Charity has also supported Community and Mental Health services across the town.

Every department or service in the Hospital of St Cross has received backing from the charity, which was founded 65 years ago.

Some examples of donations in recent times include:

• The purchase of all of the equipment for the Maple Unit, which has brought intravenous chemotherapy services to Rugby for the first time. Scalp cooling is also being provided to help prevent hair loss for those undergoing chemotherapy – another first for patients.
• The relocation of the Blood Taking Unit to a modern setting valued by staff and patients
• The construction of an inpatient clinic for patients with complex sleep problems, helping to boost the availability of these services across the Midlands
• Donations of a mini C-arm for world class surgeons from University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust to use
• A sophisticated scanner for the Glaucoma Service which enables Ophthalmic Technicians to examine patients and produce a detailed report for consultants to speed up diagnosis

Willy Goldschmidt, Chairman of The Friends of St Cross, said: “The Friends are hugely proud of this moment and the contribution we have made to the NHS, its patients and the community.

“2021 has been a record year. Not only have we passed this historic milestone but donations of equipment and support for projects will exceed our previous record. We have spent over £280,000 so far this year – well in excess of the average of £115,000 in the last 10 years.

“In addition, our team of over 130 active volunteers are now delivering over 1,100 hours of support per month for the staff and patients at St Cross – more than before the pandemic!

“We could not have done any of this without the loyal support of local people. The high esteem in which we are held is reflected in the fact that two recent Mayors of Rugby selected the Friends as their mayoral charity and are currently trustees.

“Everyone involved with the Friends looks forward to many more years of working closely with our communities to support the Hospital of St Cross and the NHS in Rugby.”

Representatives from UHCW NHS Trust, which runs the Hospital of St Cross, met with Trustees and supporters of the charity this week to say thank you for their commitment and dedication.

Professor Andy Hardy, Chief Executive Officer of UHCW NHS Trust, said: “Donations made to the Friends, however large or small, make a massive difference to how we can further improve the experience of our staff and the people using our services.

“Reaching £4 million in donations is an incredible achievement and something to be incredibly proud of. I would like to say a huge thank you to the Friends of St Cross for their tireless endeavours to support the delivery of high quality patient care for the people of Rugby and beyond.”

For more information on the Friends of St Cross, or to make a donation, please visit www.fsx.org.uk.