The Friends Of Burnham -On-Sea Hospital have this week issued an appeal for new volunteers following several resignations.
Chairman Tony Deahl told the group’s AGM that several members of the group’s committee have resigned, citing the controversial major changes to the organisation of the NHS as their reason.
Tony told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Although the multitude of changes were themselves very expensive to implement and very damaging to staff morale and seemed not to have any positive impact on patient care I did not feel that this should be a concern of the Friends as their sole aim is to improve Burnham Hospital for the benefit of patients and staff.”
“The massive refurbishment of the hospital funded by the Friends and Somerset PCT NHS Trust has brought great benefits. This was brought about by close co-operation between the Trust and its excellent Chief Executive.”
He added: “Sadly, the change of PCT has meant that this very positive relationship has come to an end. Each change has been morale sapping for staff and to the layman it appears that unnecessary layers of management do little to improve hospital efficiency.”
These resignations have meant that the committee is no longer able to function according to its constitution and release funds to help patients and staff.
Tony has therefore appealed for residents who value the hospital and the work of the Friends to consider joining the committee, which meets just six times a year. Anyone who is interested can join at the next committee meeting on Tuesday 10th July at the hospital (or phone 785727 or 783121 in advance) with no obligation to join.
“This invitation is open to members and non-members alike. Surely in a town of 20,000 people we can find a committee to spend donated money to the benefit of both the patients and staff of our hospital,” he said.
