Voluntary Organisations

Volunteers
The Trust currently have over 900 volunteers providing a range of services for patients throughout the Trust including hospital radio, patient escorts, tea bars and trolley services, therapeutic services and fundraising.  We greatly value the contribution volunteers make and are currently looking at improving the support they are given in line with national recommendations.  For more information about any of these activities please contact Helen Jarram, Head of Patient Experience, email helen.jarram@mbht.nhs.uk or telephone 01539 795442.

Friends of Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Registered Charity No. 507166

Friends of Royal Lancaster Infirmary have been in existence for over 40 years. During this period donations have, and continue, to be received from patients, the general public and legacies.  All donations are used exclusively for the Royal Lancaster Infirmary and help to purchase medical equipment, support clinical services and provide patient comforts.  The Friends actively fundraise throughout the year and welcome your support.  For futher information please contact Judith Read on 01524 516066.  

League of Friends of Westmorland General Hospital
Registered charity No. 1010872

The objective of the League of Friends is to generally support the work of the Trust and patients at Westmorland General Hospital.  The League of Friends hold a series of fundraising events throughout the year including coffee mornings, hosting long distance walkers, street and store collections.  Some Committee members visit patients on a rota on some wards.

The Hospital Equipment for Furness Trust (HEFF)
Registered Charity No: 515503

The HEFF committee are a voluntary group who fundraise in support of Furness General Hospital.  Members of HEFF have raised approximately £700,000 in the 20 years since they formed.  They also run a very successful Charity Shop based in Barrow where a substantial amount of their income comes from.

HEFF launched the Million Pennies Appeal - May 2010

Click here for further information.

Heart Concern
Registered Charity No: 701746

The objective of this local charity is to:

• Relieve, comfort and support persons who have suffered from a heart attack or any cardiac problem within the area served by University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay
• To help provide facilities for the treatment and welfare of such persons.
• To help and facilitate information and activities in social welfare, recreation or leisure time occupation of such persons with a view to improving the quality of life. 

Members receive a regular newsletter containing healthy recipes, recreational activities, fundraising and topical issues of interest to cardiac patients. They also have an extensive range of social activities on an on-going basis, including walks, evening and day outings/meals etc.  The Charity makes regular donations to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary in support of its objectives. These include the purchase of medical equipment and facilities for cardiac patients.

This is an active and enthusiastic group of people determined to promote:

• self help,
• financial help in the furtherance of its aims and
• support to patients and families affected by a heart attack or cardiac problem. 

Click here to view Heart Concern website

WRVS
Registered Charity No: 1015988

The Trust has the active support of members of the WRVS throughout its Hospitals. They have been providing support in hospitals for over 50 years.

WRVS shops and cafes provide confectionery, newspapers, magazines, toiletries, refreshments and gifts for visitors and staff in Hospitals.  Profits are gifted back to the Hospital to purchase equipment or facilities.

The WRVS provide a trolley service this can be invaluable. Trolleys are stocked with items from shops and carry things like sweets, drinks, writing paper and toiletries. They are staffed by caring WRVS volunteers who enjoy chatting to patients as they go around the hospital. 

Click here to view WRVS website

This fund was established in 1989 to support the care of babies on the Special Care Baby Unit and on their discharge. The fund is generously supported by the friends of the unit and managed by independent trustees. Funds have been raised in a variety of ways such as barbeques, sponsored walks and the sale of knitted baby clothes.

Contact: Special Care Baby Unit – Tel 01524 583810

The Trustees send a special thanks to all the volunteers for their dedication and commitment.