Medway League of Friends takes over hospital shop at Sheppey

The Medway League of Friends has expanded its facilities by taking over the hospital shop at Sheppey Community Hospital, offering patients, visitors, and staff better access to refreshments and everyday essentials.

Run by dedicated volunteers, the shop welcomes visitors from 9am to 1pm on weekdays, with an initial selection that includes hot drinks, sandwiches, sweet treats including cakes and ice-creams as well as items such as stationery.

Medway League Of Friends Sheppey Shop Opening 5

The expansion follows discussions with NHS Property Services about the charity re-establishing a shop at Sheppey, in light of the Trust’s growing services on the site – namely the Community Diagnostic Centre and Sheppey Frailty Unit.

The new shop was formally opened on Friday 5 December by the Mayor of Swale, Councillor Karen Watson, who praised the charity’s commitment to supporting local healthcare services.

Janet Harsent, Medway League of Friends Chair said: “We are delighted to be able to re-open the shop at Sheppey. Our mission has always been to support local NHS services, and this expansion allows us to continue raising funds while offering a welcoming space for everyone who visits the hospital.”

Profits from the shop will be reinvested directly into providing essential equipment and resources that enhance patient care at Sheppey Community Hospital. In the last financial year, the Friends donated more than £420,000 including neonatal resuscitation equipment at Medway Maritime Hospital.

Siobhan Callanan, Interim Deputy Chief Executive at Medway NHS Foundation Trust said: “This new facility is a wonderful addition to Sheppey Community Hospital. It not only provides convenience for patients, visitors, and staff but also ensures that every purchase contributes to improving healthcare in our community.

“We are very grateful for the continued support of the Medway League of Friends.”

The Medway League of Friends is a registered charity dedicated to supporting NHS hospitals in Medway and Swale. Through its shops and fundraising activities, the charity provides vital equipment and resources that directly benefit patients and staff.

Additional volunteers to help run the shop at Sheppey are needed to enable the charity to extend opening hours including at the weekend. To register interest and find out more, email enquiries@medwayleagueoffriends.org.uk.

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