Golden Jubilee for Friends

For fifty years a small army of people have offered their time and support to all of Norwich’s hospitals, and to mark the anniversary a reception is being held at Norwich Community Hospital.

All the NHS trusts in Norwich are gathering to say thank you to the many members of the Friends of the Norwich Hospitals have provided invaluable help to the health service over the decades.

The Friends of the Norwich Hospitals is celebrating its Golden Jubilee and first came together in 1953 to provide help and amenities that did not come within the State-funded services.

Back in 1953, the Friends were formed by the late Gordon Bayfield and have provided an invaluable service to NHS patients and staff ever since. On November 27th, a reception is being held at 7pm at the Norwich Community Hospital, Bowthorpe Road, by way of thanks.

Friends chairman David Wicks said: “Throughout the 50 years of the Friends we have raised funds for the benefit of patients of our Hospitals. Originally we raised funds for amenities that were not provided by the authority. However, in more recent years, we have also purchased equipment which is sorely needed but cannot be purchased from within the authorities budgets. It has been my privilege to serve on the committee for over 30 years with a very loyal and dedicated band of “Friends.”

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust chairman David Prior said: “The contribution made by the Friends of the Norwich Hospitals cannot be underestimated and we are very grateful for their sterling efforts over the years.”