5 October 2021
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:
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.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BLOOD TESTING DUE TO COVID-19
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, e.g. fever, loss of taste or continuous new cough, please DO NOT attend for a blood test.
Click on the map for information about phlebotomy clinics in Coventry. You can book an appointment online at the locations in red.
Please book an appointment before attending for a blood test. Click on the ‘Book Online’ button above. Booking an appointment helps patients, their carers and family members to plan their hospital visit better, helping to reduce clinic waiting times and enabling patients to be seen much more quickly.
Location: Outpatients Department, on the ground floor. Opening hours: 8am-4.45pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).
Children under 16 years old will need to book online here.
Please book an appointment before attending for a blood test, click on the ‘Book Online’ button above. Patients from Rugby and the surrounding areas are able to access the Friends Blood Taking Unit at the Hospital of St Cross.
Referrals for blood tests can be from GP's, practice nurses or from hospital consultants. Patients are also able to leave other samples, such as urine, which have been collected at home, at the hospital's Pathology Reception.
Location: Near Brookfield House, just off North Road - map here. Opening hours: The blood taking clinic sessions for adults and children are listed below:
Monday -Friday 7am-4:45pm Appointment only
Wednesday Evening 5pm-7pm Suspended due to COVID
Saturday Morning 7am-10pm Suspended due to COVID
April 2020 NEW - This Clinic is now by appointment. Please book an appointment before attending for a blood test. Click on the ‘Book Online’ button above.
Address: Stoney Stanton Road, Coventry CV1 4FS Location: Access is via the main doors, the Phlebotomy team are in Area A. Opening hours: Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). 8am–4.45pm
Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)
Specialist Tests - There are a small number of specialist tests where blood needs to be taken on a hospital site as the sample must be transferred to the laboratory rapidly for the test to be undertaken. Click here for a list of these specialist tests and to find out more.