Coronavirus: Ward trolley and hospital shop services suspended at St Richard’s Hospital

Friends of Chichester Hospitals announced today (Monday, March 30) that the service would have to stop temporarily but volunteers 'remain ready and willing' to support the hospital in 'any way possible during this challenging time'.

Chairman Jane Ramage said: "With great regret, the Friends of Chichester Hospitals have had to suspend our ward trolley and hospital shop services at St Richard’s Hospital during the Covid 19 national emergency.

"This is to protect our volunteers, most of whom are in the age group currently required to remain at home for 14 weeks to safeguard their own health and to avoid putting additional pressure on NHS services should they contract the coronavirus disease.

"We are all extremely sad to be unable to support staff and patients for the time being, as we have done for some 70 years but we know it is necessary and we look forward to resuming normal service as soon as is practicable."

The charity group thanked all supporters, including St Richard's staff, 'for their loyalty and messages of support'.

"Meanwhile, our thoughts are very much with all NHS staff, and especially with everyone at St Richard’s, front-line staff in all departments and wards, and all the numerous members of staff supporting them and their patients and the management team responsible for ensuring that care is delivered safely in these very difficult circumstances."

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