NHS Trust launches £1 Million Appeal

ELHT&Me, the official charity of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, has launched a £1m fundraising drive and is asking businesses to get involved.

Funds raised will support the trust's work to improve the patient experience at its five hospitals, covering two acute hospitals at Royal Blackburn and Burnley General, and three community hospitals at Accrington Victoria, Clitheroe and Pendle.

The appeal will focus on children and baby health, supporting cancer patients, improving equipment, women's health, men's health, and making patient areas more friendly and improving the patient experience.

In particular, the £1 Million Appeal will focus on improvements that are ‘over and above’ normal NHS provision - things such as specialised medical equipment and better patient facilities.

Stephen Barnes, non-executive director and chair of the £1 Million Appeal, said: “Over the years, the people and businesses of East Lancashire have shown how much they value their local hospitals with countless examples of donations enabling much-needed improvements.

“Now, by supporting our £1 Million Appeal, everyone in East Lancashire can help provide even better treatment, care and facilities that our patients deserve.”

Among the first to support the £1 Million Appeal is the East Lancashire Masonic Charity who donated £4,650 to provide video conferencing technology to assist young people with mental health needs to rapidly access professional support, regardless of their location.

Arif Patel, medical equipment manager at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Supporting the £1 Million Appeal means the Trust can provide more of the vital medical equipment our doctors and nurses rely on.

“For example, equipment such as defibrillators which are used in areas such as operating theatres, intensive care and high dependency units to revive patients in an emergency after a cardiac arrest.”

Individuals and companies keen to support the £1 Million Appeal can hold their own fundraising event, go to the ELHT&Me donation page or call the Charity team on 01254 732140 to make a donation. ELHT&Me Fundraising Manager, Denise Gee, said: “We encourage people to show support for their local hospitals and help reach the £1 Million Appeal in whatever way possible. A small donation, a school or office dress-down day, a collection amongst friends or a sponsored run will do so much.”