One of our Friends’, Penny, met 3 of the Clinical Specialist Nurses; Emerald Sekaran, Daniela Boteanu and Maria Franky and Admin Support; Jgo Naga Akumela from the Rheumatology team. The Friends’ were delighted to present some much needed items for the Rheumatology staff room; a kettle, toaster and a sandwich maker.

These funds were donated via Penny from a gentleman named Richard, who is only too aware of the amazing support given to patients by the NHS Rheumatology team.

Penny and her husband surprised Richard (for his 75th birthday) with a ride in their 1957 Austin Healey …. a very nostalgic treat for Richard, who owned a similar model in his teenage years! Luckily it was a lovely sunny day, perfect weather for spinning round the country lanes with the ‘top down’ … and thoroughly enjoyed by all!!

It’s a pleasure to be able to support the staff … in recognition of all their help to our patients … and enable them to benefit from a much needed ‘cuppa’ and a toasted sandwich!

Members of the Friends’ met today with Consultants Vidya Thakur and Paul Fiadjoe – who are part of the Gynaecology Team – to see how our recent donation of £9,405 has been put to use. The donation was requested to fund the purchase of a ‘State of the Art Laparoscopy Training Device’.

Laparoscopy is a type of keyhole surgery used to diagnose and treat conditions, such as ectopic pregnancies, ovarian cysts and hysterectomies. It allows the surgeon to use only small cuts and a camera for procedures inside the tummy or pelvis. This type of surgery is much less intrusive for the patient and as such enables them to be discharged from the hospital on the same day in most cases… which was great to hear and is definitely a patient benefit!

The Laparoscopy training device is located in a general office area to enable easy access to all staff. Surgeons and Doctors benefit from being able to practice and perfect their techniques to perform keyhole surgery. The equipment represents the ‘body’ and entering attachments via the ‘keyholes’ simulates the procedure. The attached monitor displays their actions as they continue through their training operation.

Vidya and Paul gave us an interesting demonstration … explaining how the training device works and adapts for both right-handed and left-handed trainees. Paul showed us the ‘toybox’! – a range of attachments that can be used to assist ‘practical training’ for many different clinical procedures. He also added that, in future, medical students will be able to have access to the equipment as part of their training. We enjoyed our lesson … our thanks to both Consultants for giving up their time to entertain us!

For 75 years, the Friends at Broomfield have been a vital part of Broomfield Hospital, raising funds to improve patient care and support staff.

With over 50 dedicated volunteers running two hospital shops, they contributed a record-breaking £104,000 in 2024 alone. Over the decades, their generosity has exceeded £1.5 million, funding essential projects and equipment.

Alison Douglas, Chair of the Friends, said,
“We are honoured to support Broomfield Hospital 75 years after the charity began—helping by providing equipment and services, just as the first group of Friends did. We strive to always support the work of our NHS colleagues, patients, and visitors by making a positive contribution to hospital life.”

Their support over the years has helped provide transport incubators, stroke rehabilitation equipment, breast reconstruction support, medical training tools, and virtual reality for nervous patients.

Every one of their projects has made a meaningful difference to patient care, and their contributions are visible on almost every ward.

Lucy Thomas-Clayton, Director of Charities and Voluntary Services, said:
“We are incredibly fortunate to have the Friends at Broomfield by our side. Their unwavering commitment has transformed countless lives, and we are so grateful for everything they do.”