News | Friends of Stratford Hospital

Singing for Friends'

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:27:52 GMT

Charity boost as Tarantara Choir support Friends'

A fabulous outing for our choir Tarantara at the United Reform Church in Stratford upon Avon, where the choir were helping to raise funds for Friends of Stratford Hospital. The assembled gathering were enthralled by the programme, entitled, ‘A winter warmer’ by our MD Linnea Markgren, who was described by one audience member as, ‘the icing on the cake…… the cherry on the top,’ for the delightful way she compered the proceedings. Many attendees approached choir members afterwards to express their delight at the concert, commenting on our lovely attire as well as our obvious enthusiasm and joy when singing. What a thoroughly enjoyable and successful event for the the Friends'.

Spring Plants

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:48:37 GMT

A foyer full of frangrance

Our annual Spring Plant Sale was once again a bright and colourful ocassion. The foyer was full of fragrance and not only from the wonderful plants and foliage for the Easter door displays but courtesy of our Chair, Ursula Russell, delicious home made jam! The sale was a huge success and with your help the Friends' raised £551 or the charity. Huge thanks to all those who contributed by way of donations and voluntary support and to those visitors that attended.

Friends Fund Motorised Reclining Chair

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:55:29 GMT

Playing an important role in recovery

Motorised reclining chairs play a surprisingly important role in supporting elderly patients in hospitals. They’re not just about comfort; they help with safety, mobility, and recovery in several ways.

They make position changes effortless - with a simple button, the chair can tilt, recline, or lift. This reduces the physical strain on patients who may have weak muscles, joint pain, or conditions like arthritis. It also means nurses don’t have to manually reposition patients as often, lowering the risk of injury for both. They’re also key for improving circulation and preventing complications. Sitting upright or slightly reclined helps reduce the risk of issues like pressure ulcers (bed sores), which can develop when someone stays in one position too long. Adjusting posture regularly keeps blood flowing and reduces pressure on vulnerable areas. They help with standing and sitting. Many motorised recliners include a “rise and tilt” function that gently lifts the patient to a near-standing position. This is especially helpful for those recovering from surgery or dealing with balance problems, lowering the risk of falls.

Being able to sit more upright can make breathing easier for patients with conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and can aid digestion after meals. Giving patients control over their own position—even something as simple as adjusting the backrest—can improve independence and dignity, which is important for mental well-being during hospital stays. Motorised reclining chairs combine comfort with practical medical benefits, helping elderly patients stay safer, more independent, and better supported throughout their recovery. The staff and patients of the Nicol Ward are delighted with the motorised chair that was funded by the Friends'.

Emma Holman-West Announced as New Patron

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 11:57:20 GMT

A new Patron for the Friends'

The Friends of Stratford Hospital are delighted to announce that Emma Holman-West, CEO Alscot Estate, has taken on the role of Patron of the long-standing local charity.

The formation of The Friends of Stratford Hospital, a local charity that aims to provide equipment, services and comforts to the patients and staff of Stratford Hospital, dates back to 1948 when the old hospital was replaced with new buildings after the introduction of the National Health Service. Since then, the charity has provided support and funding for vital equipment and facilities, helping to enhance the experience of everyone who uses the hospital.

Emma first worked with the Friends back in 2016, when the charity launched a major fundraising campaign to help create the hospital’s new state of the art cancer and ophthalmology wards. Emma was spurred on by the shocking statistics that showed, at the time, 30 per cent fewer people in the district refused chemotherapy compared to nearby Warwick Hospital due to the distance they had to travel, often daily. As well as fundraising, Emma’s role was to lead on the internal design ensuring it delivered the best possible experience for those spending some considerable time on the wards, during what can be very difficult times for the patients and their families. Alscot hosted several fundraising events including a clay pigeon shoot, open garden, and concert by The Orchestra of The Swan.

The hospital was formally opened by Princess Anne and in August 2017 the £22million hospital building, offering a cancer unit, ophthalmology unit and community wellbeing hub across three floors, welcomed its first patients. Since then, Emma has remained a strong supporter of the hospital and its community. Speaking about her new role, Emma said: “I’m honoured to become Patron of Friends of Stratford Hospital. The charity has been doing incredible work for almost 100 years, quietly supporting patients and staff in ways that make a real difference. I’m keen to help raise the profile of the Friends so that more local people know about the amazing volunteers and the vital work they do. Together, I believe we can increase awareness, support, and fundraising — and explore new opportunities for the future.”

Alongside her charitable commitments, Emma owns and runs the Alscot Estate, a 4,000-acre estate which has been under her leadership for more than 20 years. The Estate’s main business is property, and Emma also operates her own farming enterprise. No stranger to juggling challenges and innovation, she has been recognised for her outstanding achievements in rural enterprise and sustainability. In 2008, Emma was awarded the prestigious Bledisloe Gold Medal for Landowners by the Royal Agricultural Society of England, and more recently, she received an award for Best Green Business from the Stratford Herald for her work in sustainable farming and land management.

Chair of Friends of Stratford Hospital, Ursula Russell, welcomed Emma’s appointment, saying:

“We’re thrilled that Emma is joining us as Patron. Her enthusiasm, experience, and strong community ties will help us continue to grow and support the hospital in every way we can.”

Emma added: “I’d love to see more people and local businesses join us in supporting Stratford Hospital. Together we can make a lasting difference for everyone who depends on its care.”

Anyone wishing to support or learn more about the charity can visit https://www.friendsofstratfordhospital.org/ https://donate.justgiving.com/charity/friendsofstratfordhospital/donation-amount or follow Friends of Stratford Hospital on Instagram.

New Treatment Room for Physiotherapy

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 16:05:31 GMT

Friends of Stratford Hospital, are proud to share this project, funded by the Friends', that directly impacts the quality of care and experience for patients at the hospital. The underutilised former storeroom was transformed into an additional treatment room for the Physiotherapy Department, significantly improving the hospital’s capacity and enhancing patient privacy.
It's continued support which makes projects like this possible for the benefit of our community.

New Hand-Held Scanner for the Eye Clinic

website@sitemodify.com (Website Editor) — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 16:05:31 GMT

When Your Support Makes A Real Difference

The Optomed Aurora scanner device funded by the Friends' has proven especially helpful in clinics serving vulnerable adults and allows the team of specialist staff to diagnose patient conditions more easily in the eye clinic.

Refurbishment of the Nicol Ward Garden

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 16:05:31 GMT

At Friends of Stratford Hospital, we are committed to improving the patient experience, and we’re proud to share the successful refurbishment of the garden outside the Nicol Ward. This ongoing project has breathed new life into the space, providing a peaceful and inviting outdoor area where patients, can find comfort and joy.

A Much-Needed Refurbishment

The garden outside Nicol Ward, originally opened in the mid-2000s, had begun to show signs of wear over time. The paths and woodwork had become tired, and the space, once a haven for patients and visitors, no longer offered the same peaceful atmosphere. That’s when we stepped in.

Thanks to the generous funding from the Friends of Stratford Hospital, and the skilled work of Mark O’Loughlin, the South Warwickshire Foundation Trust Clinical Services (SWFTCS) Maintenance Supervisor, the garden was given the restoration it so desperately needed. Mark’s expertise allowed us to refurbish the paths and woodwork, providing a beautiful base for future planting and outdoor enjoyment.

Bringing Spring to the Patients

Once the groundwork was complete, the next phase of the project was to enhance the garden with vibrant plants. This was where the Soroptimists, a group dedicated to community service, stepped in. Their members generously volunteered their time and effort to plant flowers, shrubs, and other greenery, creating a serene and colourful space that will bloom year after year.

Now, patients who may be bedridden or have limited mobility will be able to enjoy a beautiful view right outside their window, particularly in spring when the garden is at its best. The peacefulness of the garden offers not only a sensory escape but also a vital connection to nature—something that can be incredibly therapeutic for those recovering in hospital.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

While the refurbishment is now complete, the work doesn’t stop there. We understand that maintaining this garden is just as important as its creation. The Friends of Stratford Hospital are committed to ensuring the garden’s ongoing upkeep so that it continues to bring joy and comfort to patients, staff, and visitors for many years to come. The dedication to long-term maintenance will ensure that the garden remains a well-kept oasis, no matter the season.

The Impact of Your Support

This project is a true testament to the power of community and collaboration. It’s a space that brings people together—from the volunteers at Soroptimists, to the staff at Stratford Hospital, to everyone who supports Friends of Stratford Hospital. Together, we’ve created something that will uplift patients in their recovery process, offering them a slice of peace and natural beauty during their time at Nicol Ward.

The refurbishment of the Nicol Ward garden is just one of the many ways we’re making a tangible difference in the lives of hospital patients. We couldn’t have achieved this without your support, and we’re deeply grateful for the continued generosity of our donors. With your help, we can continue funding these essential projects that have a lasting, positive impact.

Thank you for supporting us in our mission to improve patient care and comfort at Stratford Hospital. Together, we’re creating a healthier, happier environment for everyone who needs it.

If you’d like to support future projects like this one, please visit our How You Can Help Page to learn how you can help make a difference. Every contribution helps to improve the lives of those in our community.