LEAGUE OF FRIENDS OF THE KIDDERMINSTER HOSPITALS

The Forty-Fourth Annual General Meeting was held on Wednesday 26th May 2004 in the new Education Centre (3rd floor of the new Treatment Centre) at Kidderminster Hospital.

This well-attended meeting, chaired by Mr. D.G.E. Wase, heard of 'The Friends' continued involvement in the work at Kidderminster through the last three years of re-construction. The latest departments and facilities working on-site were outlined to members, and the support of hospital staff, at all levels, was acknowledged.

The Trust reported ample funds to fulfill their remit and acknowledged the generosity of benefactors.

While thanking Jean Vaughan - "our very capable administrator" for her past work and wishing her well in her new position - the League awaits the report from CHART (Community Healthcare Audit & Research Trust) by Prof. James Raftery and Marguerite Harris on the impact of "Investing in Excellence" on patients, their families and their carers.

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The meeting was then addressed by Mr. J. Rostill (Chief Executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals N.H.S. Trust) on "The Reflections of a new Chief Executive".

Among the points he made was that_

• In Walsall - the area for which he was previously responsible - he had reduced the Waiting List figure from 5,000 patients down to 1,200. He now has to tackle a Worcestershire figure of 8,500 !

• "I have never over-spent ! .. and not because Walsall had too much money."

• Given two to three years (at the most) "we'll end up with one of the best Health Services in the country !"

He believes we have_ "a superb, modern facility, to meet the needs for the whole of Worcestershire"
It gives us_ "Choice, in Day-Care, from Three Acute Facilities."

[So there's obviously more than one 'We' in Worcestershire. Ed]

Reaction from the floor included_ "a practical fellow" .. "should do an honest job for Wyre Forest" .. "his reputation will rest with the work he does in Kidderminster Hospital"

Also present at the meeting, and who spoke briefly, was M.R. who said_

• We want to make the Treatment Centre a 'Centre of Excellence'

• It should become the 'Provider of Choice' - because of its reputation

• To do this, it will require have the best services

• Local people should embrace the Treatment Centre, and all other facilities

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