What are Friends of Danetre Hospital

The new Danetre Hospital was built in the 1990's but the old hospital has a history back to the 1800's and you can gain some information about it here.

During the later years of the 1980's, there were real fears over the potential closing of Danetre Hospital. A successful campaign was launched by a number of local people under the banner 'Daventry Healthwatch', and the future of the Hospital was safeguarded. As a consequence, attention turned to what else could be done to maintain a link between the Hospital and the community.

Many years prior to the 1980's, a group known as 'Friends of Danetre' used their time, talents and skill to help staff and patients at the old Hospital. It was felt that a similar organisation could usefully help in the circumstances of the period. After consulting staff and management Friends of Danetre Hospital was reborn, using funds remaining from the Daventry Healthwatch docations. We are a Registered Charity overseen by the Charity Commissioners.

A number of projects were identified, and a series of fund-raising events were held. Because of the nature of the type of provision of funds from the NHS at the time, many items of equipment nesessary for the comfort and convenience of patients and staff could not be provided from within the available budget. Friends of Danetre Hospital were able to fund numerous items of equipment and refurbishment of facilities, including providing entertainment and parties for those unfortunate enough to be away from family and friends at festive times.

Every penny we raise is used to provide help and comfort for the patients, or to ease the burden for staff.

 Donations to the Friends of Danetre Hospital are used to the benefit of Patients, Staff and Visitors. The donations are sometimes specifically for the Wards and these wishes are adhered to. Funds donated generally to FODH have been used in the Out Patient Departments and occasionally in the local Doctors Surgeries.

The FODH Management Committee meet regularly with the Hospital Management to agree how the money is spent.

To see how to donate click on the how to donate button from the list on the left of the screen.