Hospital charity shops to close
9:44am Friday 22nd August 2008 in News By Oliver Evans
A CHARITY has to been told to close its shop at Wycombe Hospital reception - and another is under threat.
Volunteers are fuming about plans to refurbish the hospital reception area which would see the WRVS and League of Friends shops make way for the restaurant and coffee bar that are currently in the basement.
The League of Friends said it has been told to go from December 31 while the WRVS said the move was "under discussion".
The League of Friends - which has provided the hospital with medical and non-medical equipment since 1966 - warned takings would plummet by 75 per cent if the shop closed.
Questions are also being asked about why the rumoured "£750,000" revamp was going ahead when plans are afoot to demolish and replace the block it is housed in by 2012.
Hospital bosses said the work was needed as the restaurant is currently in the basement and does not have disabled access.
A statement from Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust said the work of the groups was valued and it is confident different roles can be found for them.
"We are currently in discussions with them about alternative roles within the hospital. These roles have yet to be agreed, but we hope they will include wayfinding and the continuation of their valued book service," it said.
League of Friends chairman Dr John Preece said the group had only been offered the chance to take its book sale service around the wards - but this would only meet 25 per cent of its reception income.
He said: "The shop is our main source of income. It isn't only the cash it generates - it's a front for the League of Friends."
Dr Preece worked at the hospital from 1969 to 1992 as a consultant haematologist and was general manager there from 1985 to 1990. He said of the redevelopment "It isn't something as doctor I would put as a high priority - it would be better spent on medical care."
A League of Friends volunteer said: "I would be very sad if I have to go - I wouldn't get involved in the hospital again. I think they are heartless."
Julia Cook, spokeswoman for the WRVS, said the charity was "still in discussions" over the move. She said: "We are keen to retain our presence at Wycombe Hospital and welcome any further opportunities."
One of the shop volunteers said: "It's not very good at all. It is a personal service. Some of the ladies have worked here for years - they will really miss it."
The shop raises money for the national charity, which provides services for older people and support for emergency services.
The hospital trust statement said there was no lift to the basement restaurant for the disabled and the "general surroundings do not reflect the high quality food we provide".
The reception overhaul was in response to patient comments and would make it "more relaxed and welcoming".
At a public meeting on Tuesday (see page 4) trust chief executive Anne Eden was asked why a rumoured £750,000 was being spent given plans to demolish the hospital's oldest buildings and sell-off half the site by 2012.
Ms Eden said she did not know the cost. "We have a problem here and now," she said.
