Call for involvement in Whitby Hospital and Gardens renovation

People in Whitby are being asked to get involved with the renovation and future of the town's hospital as well as fundraising for it.

Author: Karen LiuPublished 13th Jan 2021

People in Whitby are being asked to get involved with the renovation and future of the town's hospital.

Four task and finish groups have been formed for residents to join and have their say like naming of the wards.

These groups comprise of individuals from many different backgrounds, including corporate and clinical NHS staff, local businesses and members of the public. Anyone with an interest in the development of the hospital and gardens is welcome to join.

It is as Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust is carrying out work to modernise Whitby Hospital and Gardens.

Caroline Walker, HCA on the Whitby Hospital Ward, said:

“I joined the group so that hospital staff would have a voice. It is important to me that we involve members from all areas of the community, to have their say in the refurbishment and future of our local hospital.”

Over the last few months, both internal and external renovations have produced significant change, which is now apparent from the surrounding grounds. Moving forwards, the next few weeks will see the progression of high level roof works, steelwork to the new extension and the link bridge structure, as well as ongoing internal works.

Health Stars, Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust’s charity, is leading the task and finish groups, including the fundraising appeal for the hospital.

Fundraising Manager, Kristina Poxon, said:

“We’re really excited to be launching the appeal for Whitby Hospital. We’ve set ourselves an ambitious target to raise £200,000 to add sparkle to the hospital over and above what the NHS can provide.”

Health Stars has also recently welcomed Judith Wakefield, as Whitby Hospital Appeal Coordinator.

The team would need people from the local community to get involved and help fundraise to meet the target.

The Whitby groups are also announcing that Doff Pollard has been re-elected as Governor on the Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust Whitby Board for another three years.

She said:

“I feel it is a privilege to be elected as the Governor for Whitby. My motivation is to acknowledge and pay back for what the hospital and all the staff gave me when I needed it. I want to be available to listen to the voices within the community, to take them up and get them heard and, where possible, use them to influence the way forward.”

If you’re interested in getting involved in the Whitby groups or fundraising for the local hospital, or you have questions about the project, contact hello@healthstars.org.uk.

Anyone from Whitby who would like to get in contact with Doff can contact her via email: doff.pollard@nhs.net

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