The Friends   of   Guy’s Hospital   Annual Report   2000

Chairman’s Report 

It is my pleasant duty once again to report on the activities and achievements of the Friends over a year, which has seen considerable change and development, culminating in the richly deserved award of the MBE to Mrs Betty Cooper, one of our Vice Presidents. Mrs Cooper who is 90 trained as a nurse at Guy's, and has been a staunch supporter of the Friends throughout. We offer her our warmest congratulations on this achievement and best wishes for the future.  

From the first, Lord Harris our new President and Mrs Kay Glendinning, a new Vice President, have demonstrated a hands on presence, and have brought with them expertise and experience gained from years of fund‑raising. We are grateful to them for their enthusiasm and constructive suggestions.  

On a sad note, Philippa Blake‑Roberts, who has acted over the years as our ex‑officio legal advisor, has been obliged to tender her resignation as much of her time now will be spent in Brussels. Philippa has been a devoted supporter and tireless worker on behalf of the Friends; we shall miss her and wish her all the best for the future.  

The drop in subscriptions and donations brought about by increased day case admissions with consequent rapid patient turnover, and also diversion of a significant number of admissions to St Thomas', has obliged us to reconsider our position. To rely on present sources of income was considered to be short sighted, and it was felt. that constructive efforts should be made to raise our profile and thereby broaden our revenue base. 

To this end the Friends enlisted the support of Clare Stephens, a freelance public relations consultant, with whom we had several meetings, and out of these came a number of constructive suggestions. The foremost of these was an illustrated brochure detailing the activities of the Friends, and a leaflet condensing the information, which would be sent out to patients following their discharge from hospital, inviting them to become supporters. The brochure acquaints potential contributors with the different faces of our activities ‑ from providing expensive high‑tech equipment, to effective up‑to‑date methods of relieving pain, to providing toys for the paediatric units, and amenities such as curtains, duvets and blinds. It further highlights the very important contribution made by the volunteers and by the shop.  

With the data protection act imposing constraints on access to patient details, the Friends have had to seek advice on the procedure for approaching patients with a view to enlisting their support without breaching confidentiality. Thanks are due to George Scott and Delyth Hay our Vice Chairman, both of whom have gone to considerable trouble to establish a procedure for contacting patients with the approval and co­operation of the Trust. We are grateful to Dr Brian Ayres the Medical Director, and Jeff Brockett for bringing the matter to a successful conclusion.  

Because of concerns over income, the Friends have been somewhat conservative in their approval of requests for funding over the last year. Three requests stand out as examples of the type of activity which we support. The ENT department has been furnished with a rhinomanometer, a device for measuring nasal airway resistance, at a cost of £ 15,400. This piece of equipment allows clinicians to measure objectively airway resistance before and after surgery, and is therefore useful in monitoring the effectiveness of operations. A number of pieces of equipment to the value of £8,100 was provided for the Department of Ophthalmology, and these included a Goldman Field analyser for testing visual fields, an instrument for measuring intra-ocular pressure, a slit lamp, and a computerised focimeter for quickly analysing the lenses of children and adult glasses. At the other end of the scale, £725 was approved for the Guy's day nursery to purchase garden equipment for outdoor play.  

The millennium cookbook prepared in conjunction with the Friends of St Thomas has come to fruition and has been selling successfully. With a foreword written by Delia Smith, it combines an attractively illustrated and colourful collection of simple and delicious recipes at a price of £8.95  

We are indebted to Margaret Roberts and all those who assist her in the services branch for their tireless efforts to raise funds. The stalls and fetes for which they are responsible are invariably successful, and provide an important source of revenue.  

Jeff Simpson our Treasurer has, true to form, been stalwart in his stewardship of the accounts and has been helpful with suggestions on how best to maximise our income. I owe a special debt of gratitude to Delyth Hay, who has shouldered much of the responsibility of the Chairman, and has worked quietly and effectively behind the scenes to further the objectives of the Friends, To others who have contributed their experience and expertise to the well‑being of the Friends, thanks are due. These include Philippa Blake‑Roberts, Tony Roles, and Dr George Mack, as well as Alan Campbell and ­Richard Cotton who have kept a watchful eye on the Friends of Guy's trading company. I would also like to thank Susan Taleghany the voluntary services manager for her help, and Peter Hiscock for his computing wisdom. To Anne Franklyn and the volunteers who work in the shop we offer sincere thanks. Pat Hutton, as always, is the pivot of the operation and keeps the show ticking over, and to her I offer my own personal appreciation. Finally George Scott never ceases to provide me with practical and moral support for which I am extremely grateful.  

Omar Shaheen

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Flower Shop Report

The Friends shop, as many may remember, began selling flowers in the foyer of New Guy’s House. It was soon rehoused on its present site in 1974/5 on the corner of Great Maze Pond, opposite Hunts House. At this time, Mrs Margaret Helliwell (formerly Sister Laws of Main Theatres) was director, ably assisted by Mrs Margaret Campbell. 

By 1983 the shop was making a healthy profit, as, I believe, was the Trolley Shop. In the early eighties it was run by Mrs Ann Sullivan with the assistance of volunteers until the mid nineties when Mrs Sylvia Mannell was appointed, as manageress.  

Sylvia was a tireless worker and often made early morning visits to Covent Garden, with her husband’s help. At this time there were also 4 directors from the Executive Committee.  

The shop continued on a firm footing selling toys, Guy’s memorabilia and flowers, until the opening of the second floor entrance from London Bridge Station into Thomas Guy House. This had a marked effect on the number of people passing the shop as well as the Galleria, adjacent to it, also run by the Friends.  

In May 2000, Sylvia retired and the shop remained quiet. A decision was taken to revitalise the shop. A grant of £5000 for refurbishment was made and the shop was repainted and new shelves installed. We re-stocked with confectionery, biscuits, snacks, and ice creams, soft drinks and toiletries and also some second hand goods. Now the shop continues to sell soft toys and a range of cards and flowers and is open for longer hours from 8.30am – 5pm. This allows staff to buy goods and milk on their way to work. The re-introduction of the sale of stamps brings many people to the shop.  

Security has been re-assessed and we are indebted to the Security Department for their help. A member of the security team banks money daily. As our bank balance has improved we are now able to have deliveries of goods to the shop, instead of the laborious visits to collect them, largely undertaken by our Secretary Pat Hutton and her Assistant Carole Tobin.  

Although I have left it until last, the most important factor is the work of the Volunteers in the shop. There are usually different volunteers each day, including a husband and wife team. Without their commitment the shop would quite simply not be able to be open every day and many people have given their time over a long period. We are grateful to Anne Franklin who has been helping to manage the shop in recent months. Susan Taleghany tries hard to find us new volunteers as ideally three people are needed over the busy lunch time period.  

We do need more volunteers and it would be wonderful to start a Trolley Service again (run by the Services Branch until last year). It is a great pleasure to work in the shop and our Volunteers try hard to cater for all tastes and purses, as well as making flower arrangements for patients and hospital functions.  

We are grateful to everyone who has supported the shop and continue to value comments and suggestions- as Guy’s itself continues to change.  

There is a possibility that we may be re-housed in the new entrance to the hospital. If this happens this could be a bonus and allow us to make further innovative changes.  

The shop should be able to provide a service to everyone in the hospital while creating an income for the Friends, to re-invest in the hospital. We think that this is well worth the effort, so come and exercise your retail therapy with us!

Inside the Shop  

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MBE for Mrs Betty Cooper  

Betty Cooper has had a long association with Guy's, training as a nurse and going on to become a volunteer. In 1961, at her instigation, a group of ladies began to visit the wards regularly to tend all the flowers. I remember this service, which was much appreciated and one thing less to think about in the running of a ward.  

Betty has continued to drive from her home in North London twice weekly with foliage and flowers from her own garden. She continues to do the arrangements in the Chapel and donates much to the Flower Shop also.  

She has been a Vice‑President of the Friends for many years and Betty celebrated her 90th birthday last year. She has seen many changes at Guy's, but her enthusiasm and dedication are undiminished. Everyone who knows her is delighted with this award, which is so richly deserved.

Delyth Hay

Vice Chairman

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Services Branch Report

We have been fundraising for the ENT department here at Guy’s for the past year.  

A special millennium project for the Friends of Guy’s Hospital and the Services Branch provided an operating microscope needed for the intricate skull base surgery performed by Professor Michael Gleeson.  

We were excited at the prospect of once again being able to hold our Fete in the Park in the warm May sunshine – in reality after several days of heavy rain, the Park being waterlogged, we had to opt for the Colonnade, where we shivered and gazed with longing at the sunshine outside.  

Everyone worked with enthusiasm to make a success of the day and our sincere thanks go to all who made a contribution to the event.  

With each year that passes our loyal and dedicated workforce becomes smaller and those of us who continue creak more!  

We are committed to continuing our monthly stall and Library service to the wards and the staff, together with the book sales started this year, but we need more help. We are always ready to welcome new faces into our midst to become part of our team. If you have a few spare hours and are interested in the things that we do we should love to hear from you.  

Our Christmas Fair was held in November in the bright and spacious Atrium One. Once again Monson School Steel Band were there to play for us and their delightful music drew much attention to the event which was a profitable as well as a very festive occasion.  

During the continuing year we will be fund raising for the Department of Oral Medicine in the Dental Hospital and as always we welcome your support.  

Dates for your diary:  

Summer Fete                last Thursday in May

Christmas Fair               last Thursday in November

Monthly Stall                 first Thursday of each month

Book Stall                     second Thursday of each month             

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“Clever Cook" Orlando Murrin praises our very own clever cooks  

  “Clever Cook” Orlando Murrin with Hectore Ehore, Chef at Guy’s

Friday the 24^th of November saw the Guy’s launch of the Friends of Guy's and St Thomas' cookbook.  

The cookbook, which was compiled from recipes contributed by staff and friends of the Trust, was produced with the aim to raise money to provide help and support to patients.  

The Express newspaper's "clever cook" Orlando Murrin who launched the cookbook in atrium 1 said, "it is the best produced and most glamorous looking cookbook of its type that I have ever seen. Photography by the photographic department at Guy's and St Thomas' is as good as any professional photography you see". Orlando also praised the recipes saying he had tried 5 or 6 and they had been "super". The book, which is currently on sale in the Friends’ shops at Guy's and St Thomas' is an excellent gift at £8.95.  

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Testimonials thanking The Friends for their contribution  

The ENT department which has always been well supported by the Friends of Guy's Hospital, received the sum of £18,000.00 last summer for the purchase of a new rhinomanometer for use in the rhinology clinic. This piece of apparatus is designed primarily to measure airway resistance and is a substitute for an outdated machine which is so cumbersome as to be of little use. The assessment of airway resistance and flow provides a useful measure as to the patency of the nasal airway, thereby allowing clinicians to decide to what extent a patient would need an operation, or not. It is also useful in the assessment of the results of surgery, by comparing values after operation with those before surgery.  

The new Rhinomanometer is top of the range and incorporates three methods of assessing the nasal airway compared with the older instrument which had been in the department for years. It is presently being assessed in an out patient setting for the purpose of gaining clinical information, but has also been used as a research tool. The Ethics committee have granted their approval to carry out an assessment of the airways before and after surgery, a project which is being carried out in collaboration with the allergy department.  

The ENT department therefore thanks the Friends of Guy's Hospital once again for their strong support.  

ELFY B CHEVRETTON Ms FRCS

CONSULTANT OTOLARYNGOLOGIST

I am writing to you to thank the Friends of Guy's for the Goldman Perimeter. This equipment is used regularly in the eye department to test the field vision of the patient, in particular those with glaucoma and benign intracranial hypertension.  

Thank you very much for donating this essential piece of equipment to our department.  

D M CALVER FRCS FRCOphth

CONSULTANT PAEDIATRIC OPHTHALMOLOGIST  

I would like to thank the Friends of Guy’s Hospital for the fantastic donation of over £700 to help the nursery buy garden toys and equipment for the children.  

The delight on the children’s faces when the new bikes, scooters, trucks and toys arrived was a picture to see.  

They have enjoyed many hours of play and are taking good care of their new toys.  

The Nursery is solely funded by the Trust and there is only so much that we can buy with a small budget, so fundraising events and donations from people like yourselves give us the money we need to buy new equipment.  

Once again, a big thank you from all of the staff, parents and children of Guy’s Nursery  

Jennifer Gagg (née Etienne)

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Executive Committee’s Report of the Activities  

The Executive Committee present their report for the year ended 30 September 2000.  

Constitution  

The Friends of Guy’s Hospital is a registered Charity, number 264150.  The Charity was formed by an amalgamation of The Guild of Ex-Patients and Friends of Guy’s Hospital, and Guy’s Hospital Ladies Association, and traces its origin back to 1895.  

Objects, organisation and activities  

The Charity provides amenities for patients and staff.  Medical research is also supported and substantial grants are made for works of improvement which benefit patients, staff and visiting relatives.  The Charity is able, from time to time, to purchase medical and surgical equipment which Guy’s Hospital is not able to buy from its own budget. The Charity’s wholly owned subsidiary, The Friends of Guy’s Trading Company Limited, operates a shop in the grounds of Guy’s Hospital selling flowers and gifts etc.  

Accounts  

The accounts for the year ended 30th September 2000 show that there was a deficit of income over expenditure of £73,155 (1999 – surplus £6,671).  The deficit has been deducted from the accumulated funds resulting in total assets amounting to £558,385 (1999- £631,540).  There is, however, a total commitment to grants of £87,695 (1999 - £139,554). 

Subscriptions and donations amounted to £38,210 (1999 - £47,513), legacies £13,916 (1999 - £36,020) and investment and deposit account interest £29,554 (1999 - £23,601).  Full details of all sources of income are shown in the statement of financial activities. The charity has not included in these financial statements £30,000 (1999 - £0) of legacy income due but not yet received.  

The financial position of The Friends of Guy’s Hospital is considered to be very sound, with ample assets to meet all known commitments.  

Bankers  

National Westminster Bank plc London Bridge Branch, 10 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TT.  

Responsibilities of members of the Executive Committee  

The Articles of Constitution requires the members of the Executive Committee to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the surplus or deficit of the charity for that period.  In preparing those accounts the members of the Executive Committee are required to:-  

• Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

• Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

• State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts;

• Prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.  

The members of the Executive Committee are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities Act 1993.  They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Chairman

Guy’s Hospital,

St. Thomas Street,

London SE1 9RT                                                                                   

Accounts  

The following pages are taken from the accounts audited by W H Payne and Company of Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 OHA, a copy of which is available for inspection upon request to the secretary.  

Income and Expenditure Account for the Year ended 30th September 2000  

Continuing activities               

All income and expenditure is derived from continuing activities  

Total recognised gains and losses

The Charity has no recognised surpluses other than as detailed above.

Balance Sheets as at 30^th September 2000

Approved by the committee on 31^st January 2001

Non charitable trading activities - net income  

The Charity has a wholly owned subsidiary, The Friends of Guy’s Trading Company Limited, which is incorporated in the UK.  The company runs a shop in the grounds of Guy’s Hospital selling flowers and gifts.  A summary of the company’s trading results is shown below.  

Continuing operations

None of the company’s activities were acquired or discontinued during the above two financial years.  

Total recognised gains and losses

The company has no recognised gains or losses other than the profit or loss for the above two financial years.  

Individual research, medical committee and amenities grants for the year ended  30 September 2000 are as follows:-  

Reconciliation of movement in funds  

Guarantees and other financial commitments

Grant Commitments  

At 30th September 2000, grants totalling £87,695 (1999 - £139,554) had been approved by the Executive Committee but had not been paid out.  

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Joining the Friends  

Anyone can join. You do not have to be an ex-patient, although many of our members are.

The minimum subscription is £5 a year, but extra donations are greatly appreciated and will enable the Charity to continue its good work in supporting the hospital, its patients and staff in so many ways that are not available though the NHS. Cheques and postal orders should be made payable to ‘The Friends of Guy’s Hospital’ and sent to

The Secretary,

The Friends of Guy’s Hospital,

Level 2, Thomas Guy House,

Guy’s Hospital,

London,

SE1 9RT.  

Information regarding Gift Aid for a minimum period of four years and of Legacies can be obtained from the Secretary as above (Telephone : 020 7407 1058).

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Executive committee who served during the year were

Lord Harris of Peckham (President)

(Appointed January 2000)

Mrs D Hay (Vice Chairman)  

J R Simpson (Treasurer)  

published by

The Friends of Guy’s Hospital

Level 2, Thomas Guy House

Guy’s Hospital

St. Thomas’ Street

London

SE1 9RT

Charity Registration Number : 264150

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