Charity sweet shop re-opens at Salisbury hospital
Much-missed League of Friends store welcomes customers back from today (21 June)
The shop, close to the Main Reception at Salisbury District Hospital, sells handmade confectionery, chocolate and fudge, and will be an outlet for products made by patients working in the Wessex Rehabilitation Centre.
It first opened its doors in 1993 and shop has become a familiar and welcome sight for the hospital's patients, visitors and staff. The sweet shops is staffed entirely by League of Friends volunteers.
BACK FROM COVID CLOSURE
However, as with some other amenities in the hospital the shop has been closed during the Covid-19 pandemic. That's because most volunteers were not allowed to work on site.
During the pandemic the League of Friends ensured hospital staff's sweet tooth was satisfied and very generously gave away their entire stock of sweets to them.
David Stratton, League of Friends Chairman, said:
"It's wonderful to be getting back to some level of normality - we know patients, their families and the occasional staff member enjoy a sweet treat now and again and it's a great way to support the League of Friends."
Andy Hyett, Chief Operating Officer, said:
"Obviously, it has not been the same here since the volunteers have been gone, so it will be a welcome and cheering addition to our hospital when they can return and once again offer their goods to customers."
Besides sweets, visitors, patients and staff can choose from My Trusty health & beauty products, notelets, cards and baby clothes knitted by some of their volunteers. The shop hours will be Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm. All COVID-19 restrictions will apply.
The League of Friends has been raising funds to support small projects in the hospital, as well as health care services within the local area since 1954. Find out how to support The League of Friends here: www.salisbury.nhs.uk