ALTHOUGH the present-day League of Friends was formed in 1948, it has its roots in the voluntary provision of health services at Stroud Hospitals in the century and a half before this.

Today, as a registered charity, we are the channel for the community’s generosity and care for our hospitals, the health centre and the ambulance station.

We work in close partnership with staff and patients, and strive to provide high quality support in a caring manner, ensuring that funds provided by the community are wisely spent on services and various items of equipment that make a real difference.

For example, recent purchases have been: an ultra-sound scanner for the Maternity Hospital; a special colour photo machine for the eye department; an ultra-sound probe for the breast care service; more sophisticated items for the endoscopy unit, and a comfortable overnight room for patients’ relatives.

The League’s membership is known for its vigorous defence of valuable services that are threatened, which is why we are so keen to build robust numbers.

There’s no cost to join, and there’s plenty of opportunity to help with the several services that we provide daily for patients and visitors at the General Hospital, offering refreshments, newspapers, books, friendly faces and a touch of festive cheer for those in hospital over the Christmas period.

Participation in the development of services in co-operation with Clinical Commissioning Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the 2gether NHS Foundation Trust, ensures that we keep up with the latest medical advances, and provide the best services possible for the Stroud area communities.

The League of Friends is run by volunteer trustees and a committee representing GPs, clinical staff, and professional and lay members of the community.

If you would like to contribute to the work of that committee, you would be most welcome.

If you would prefer simply to run reception or the shop or trolley services, you would be equally welcome.

The League is particularly keen to have younger members.

Stroud league of Friends supports the work of:

• Stroud General Hospital / Stroud Maternity Hospital
• Beeches Green Health Centre / Park House
• Weavers Croft / Stroud Ambulance Station

For more information please visit: www.stroudleagueoffriends.org/