In May, the Friends of St. Margaret’s Hospital in Epping received a new request from the Beech Ward and Early Supported Discharge Team based in the Epping Forest Unit.
The Friends have supported wards and departments at St. Margaret’s for many, many years. But the total request on this occasion was probably for the largest donation ever.
There followed a long list of items needed to make the gymnasium areas fully equipped and accessible to the patients within the multiple services now using these spaces:
- Dumbells
- Weights
- Medicine Balls
- Barbells
- A Weight-training System
- Cardio Cross training and Resistance Training
- A Treadmill
- A Trampoline
- …and more!
The Friends committee looked at the figures and were very impressed with this list of equipment, and the descriptions of how it could benefit the patients using services such as Musculoskelatal , Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, and help for stroke, amputees and other community therapy patients.
There are two gymnasiums in the Epping Forest Unit at St. Margaret’s. The therapy teams say:
“It’s our collective responsibility to ensure that both are used to their maximum potential – for all patients entering the area.”
Last year the therapists’ teams promoted their campaign called ‘Get up- Get Dressed – Get Moving’ as the way to a successful return to health and a speedy return home. That was primarily a message to inpatients. The Friends contributed towards the new day rooms’ furnishings and equipment . Now with the expansion of the equipment list and full use of both gym areas, out-patients will benefit too. 
The committee of the Friends were very impressed by the teams’ proposals and requests, and by their determination to provide the most up-to-date equipments and treatments.
SO IT WAS DECIDED TO OFFER A SUM OF £11,266 TO MEET THE BILL.
The Friends could only make this huge gift because of the generosity of their supporters at fund-raising events, as regular subscribers, and those who take a regular ‘flutter’ on the Epping Forest District Council’s weekly Lottery Draw.
The Beech Ward and Discharge Supported Team asked for ‘any contribution you could make towards the the purchase of the items.’
Financial constraints have limited purchases for all teams of therapists. They wanted to equip their gymnasiums to aid equitable and accessible treatment for all, and achieve the very best clinical outcomes.
The Friends and supporters will make it possible.
