After 6 months work, the refurbishment of both wards at South Hams Hospital was completed in September. The wards were officially reopened on 7th October when representatives of NHS Property Services, the supervising contractor, the builders and University Hospitals Plymouth staff who run South Hams Hospital were able to join Matron Di Green is seeing the new facilities. Di particularly thanked all those who had done the work over 6 months without having to close any beds - 'They were so considerate and flexible' she said. The refurbishment, which was supported by the League of Friends, will improve the patient experience and lead to enhanced infection control. It should secure the facilities for many years to come.

When the pandemic was announced South Hams Hospital in Kingsbridge was put on standby to receive additional patients from Derriford and many extra inpatient beds were installed. The Hospital Friends were asked to make precautionary arrangements for some of the additional nursing staff to stay overnight in the local area. This was quickly achieved and we should thank the many second-home owners and Toad Hall Cottages for making houses available; the good news is that, so far, only a limited amount of accommodation has been needed but, of course, we may not have reached the end of the crisis yet. An on-site mobile unit has been lent by SHC in Saltash for the respite of nursing staff and this is also greatly appreciated. The crisis has exposed local people to more than bad health: it has also brought food poverty to our community. As a result, demand for the Kingsbridge Food Bank has increased by a factor of six. The trustees of the Hospital Friends wished to help so, in accordance with its constitution, it has donated £1,000 to the Food Bank. We hear that hospital staff have also donated copious amounts of food to KFB. Through the generosity of the good folk of the South Hams, the Hospital Friends have also organised the following improvements for patients, staff and healthcare services: we have purchased a plot of land adjacent to the hospital for staff to use as a car park, freeing up space for patients’ use weekly fruit baskets are kindly being provided free-of-charge by Kingsbridge Greengrocer, Alan’s Apple; hospital staff are most grateful for this very practical gesture of support the Men’s Shed provided a handsome set of new and refurbished garden furniture for patient and staff use (see photo) we have purchased two computer tablets to enable patients to talk to friends and family from their beds using tele-conferencing at this time when visitors are not allowed. The League of Friends is currently seeking new trustees to help run this worthwhile and much-valued local organisation. If you feel the time is right to “give something back” and offer practical support to the local NHS, this may be your opportunity. Please call our Chairman, Colin Pincombe (01548 857507) to discuss and register an interest.

Trustees and volunteers have been busy in the pre-Christmas period, selling raffle tickets for the Grand Christmas Draw. Sales took place at the Farmers' Market, Salcombe Christmas Fest, Tesco's and at the hospital. A net profit of £905 was made. Grateful thanks go to all the volunteers and to the donors of the generous prizes. Prizes and winners were as follows: Christmas Hamper - Derek Hill Salcombe Harbour Spa Day for 2 - Mr.Turner Salcombe Harbour Hotel Sunday Lunch for 4 - Lisa Mooney Cottage Hotel Sunday Lunch for 2 - Mavis Shepherd Crabshell Inn £20 voucher - Mrs.Weber.

Colin Pincombe, Chair of the League of Friends, manning the stand at the Kingsbridge Show