THE League of Friends of Salisbury Hospital marked 60 years of supporting healthcare in the city with a special celebration.

Founded in 1954, the League of Friends has raised more than £2 million over the last six decades – significantly more in today’s money – which has helped provide new facilities and vital equipment that supports hospital services.

On Monday the Salisbury NHS Trust Board and Governors joined trustees and long-serving volunteers of the league to say thank you for their support.

Trust chief executive Peter Hill said: “Over the last 60 years the Salisbury Hospital League of Friends has provided invaluable support to local healthcare, from the early days when services were spread across the city, to today where the focus is on Salisbury District Hospital.

“It’s hard to put into words the enormous contribution they have made since 1954, such is the support they have given to the hospital, our patients, their relatives and carers over the years.

“This gathering is one small way of marking their considerable achievements and thanking them for their commitment and dedication to the local community and our hospital.”

David Stratton, chairman of the League of Friends of Salisbury Hospital, said: “The league is proud that, as a voluntary organisation, it has, for the past 60 years, been able to offer support and provide funding for the hospital to obtain much needed facilities and equipment to help ensure that patients, relatives and carers can benefit from the best possible healthcare. We look forward to continuing and building on the long-standing relationship which exists between us. Here’s to the next 60 years!”

Projects the league has been involved with over the years have included the provision of specialist baths and the funding and building of two bungalows that provide much-needed short stay accommodation for relatives of patients admitted to hospital in an emergency or who live a long distance away from Salisbury.

Other projects include additional funding for equipment and facilities for a dedicated obstetric theatre, vascular unit and maternity services, as well as support for the Stars Appeal’s major fundraising campaigns such as the keyhole surgery theatre and CT scanner campaign.

*The League of Friends is currently refurbishing the bungalows on the Salisbury District Hospital site. For more details visit leagueoffriends.salisbury.nhs.uk or contact Mr Stratton on 01722 329720, via c/o The League of Friends’ Shop, Salisbury District Hospital, Odstock Road, Salisbury, SP2 8BJ or email lofshop.salisbury@gmail.com