2019 Barton-On-Sea Golf Club donation:
Lis, on behalf of The Friends, receiving the extremely generous cheque for £14,000 from Sandy Jones on behalf of the members and friends of the Barton-on-Sea Golf Club.
November 2019 - The Macular Suite:
The new purpose built area for the diagnosis and treatment of macular disease, particularly age-related macular degeneration is now open. New equipment, to the value of £150,000, will be required and The Friends have committed to making a significant contribution.
Any financial help towards this ambitious target would be most gratefuly received by The Friends. If an individual or organisation would like to donate a specific piece of equipment please contact The Friends for further details.
Examples of equipment required (3 to 5 of each!):
Widescreen computer monitor £80
Patient reclining chair £650
Tonometer (to measure eye pressure) £1,683
Wheelchair compatible table for slit lamp £3,000
Vision testing screen £3,930
Slit lamp £15,500
Update 2020:- £28,450 of new equipment purchased for the Macular Clinic.
Appeal launched at the 2018 AGM to raise £20,000 to purchase a Corneal Specular Microscope for the Bournemouth Eye Unit
The funds have now been raised and the Specular Microscope has been ordered.
A massive thank you to all contributors!
A massive thank you to all contributors!
This is an advanced high power microscope which looks in great detail at the innermost layer of the cornea (the endothelium).
It would be a vital new piece of equipment to aid in the diagnosis, monitoring, and ongoing management of corneal conditions.
April 2018 "Spot the number" Fundraising event towards the Laser Appeal :-
Square 25 was pre-selected by a member of the public. We were delighted to send a cheque for £50 to the person who paid £2.00 for this square.
Many thanks to all who took part in this fund raising game.
Earlier this year The Friends made a significant contribution towards the Bournemouth Juba Vision 2020 Link Paediatric Ophthalmology Specialist Course, Nairobi, July 2018.
In July this year Henrietta Holmes-Smith, Senior Orthoptist from Bournemouth Eye Unit and I travelled from the UK to Nairobi in Kenya to run a training course in collaboration with Consultants at the University of Nairobi. We were honoured to be joined by the highly regarded Paediatric Ophthalmologist Narman Puvanachandra from Norwich University Hospital.
I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Friends for their generous contribution without which the course could not have gone ahead.
The aim of the course was to provide specialist training in Paediatric Ophthalmology to delegates from South Sudan, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Burundi along with Consultants and Trainee Ophthalmologists from Kenya.
The teaching was mainly patient-based in clinic and theatre. Narman was an excellent teacher who has the ability to explain complex problems in a straightforward understandable way. Likewise Henrietta gave excellent demonstrations of squint assessment in children and helped the delegates gain confidence in this difficult examination.
In addition to clinical teaching, the UK and Kenyan teams gave lectures on many relevant childhood eye conditions. This included retinoblastoma, a childhood eye cancer which is treatable if diagnosed early. Kenyatta hospital in Nairobi is a regional centre for retinoblastoma and treats children from many African countries.
An addition for this year's programme was the Royal College of Ophthalmology “Training the Trainers” (TTT) course. All consultants are involved in training junior doctors and medical students, but rarely receive any formal training in teaching skills. I delivered the TTT course to the Consultant delegates. It was greatly appreciated and, as a result, they planned to make changes to their future teaching and training practice.
As well as observation of advanced squint surgery techniques, Consultant delegates had the opportunity to practice these techniques on model eyes. Later in the week, they taught the new techniques to the Trainee Ophthalmologists using teaching methods they had just learned on the TTT course. This reinforced their own learning as well as put their teaching skills into practice.
Feedback received was very positive. 95% overall thought all aspects of the course were good or excellent. Here are some delegate comments on what they liked about the course:
“It was simplified and very easy to understand. The tutors made it fun. Not too serious.”
“Learning and evaluation of orthoptics, I appreciated the teaching and simulation in general. Please organise more sessions if possible”
“[simulation surgery training] A great way to get hands-on experience. I've never performed [squint] surgery before.”
“The comprehensive teaching that wraps up paediatric ophthalmology as a package”.
Thanks to the Friends of the Eye Unit, 20 Consultants and 40 Trainees from 6 countries are not only returning to their hospitals with improved skills in treating children with potentially blinding eye conditions, but they are also better trained to pass on those skills to other doctors in the future.
Ben Parkin Consultant Ophthalmologist, Bournemouth Eye Unit
Promotional Event - April 2017
In the main Hospital Atrium on Wednesday April 12th and Thursday April 13th 2017 from 2 – 4 p.m a promotional stall with raffle, promotional goods and membership forms was set up by Committee members. This enabled us to raise the profile of the Friends and was well attended by visitors, staff and patients. |
Promotional Table, November 2017.
Our promotional Stall in the Hospital Atrium was held in early November. We raised £180.00 from Raffle sales and a Tombola. We were ably assisted by both Committee and non – Committee members - thank you all for this invaluable help.
Apart from fund raising it does enable us to meet and talk to a variety of Hospital “people”, both patients and staff and thus help raise the “Friends”profile.
How we have spent some of our funds:
We have been delighted to receive a number of legacies which have made a significant difference to the support we can give to the Eye Unit. These substantial donations have enabled enhanced cataract and other state of the art equipment to be purchased.
We have been delighted to receive a number of legacies which have made a significant difference to the support we can give to the Eye Unit. These substantial donations have enabled enhanced cataract and other state of the art equipment to be purchased.
£60,000 has recently been spent on five pieces of medical equipment to enhance the work of the Eye Unit:
A 3D stereo camera, a super-quad laser treatment contact lens, two exophthalmometers and a contribution to a camera for use in fluorescein angiograms.
A 3D stereo camera, a super-quad laser treatment contact lens, two exophthalmometers and a contribution to a camera for use in fluorescein angiograms.
Staff of the Acute Referral unit with their new 'slit lamp' donated by The Friends of the Eye Unit:
£10,700 has also been spent on four pieces of medical equipment to enhance the work of the Eye Unit : an indirect ophthalmoscope, a Keratotomy set, eye care Pro-tonometer (to measure eye pressures) and medicine cabinets.
The Macular Forum 2017
The Macular Forum met on Saturday 1st April with the guest speaker Judy Pride, who is Regional Manager for the Macular Society in the South West, with approximately 40 people attending.
The Macular Forum 2017
The Macular Forum met on Saturday 1st April with the guest speaker Judy Pride, who is Regional Manager for the Macular Society in the South West, with approximately 40 people attending.
Recent news (Spring 2016):-
Support from local groups: The Lions Club fund eye test kit
Recent news (Spring 2016):-
Support from local groups: The Lions Club fund eye test kit
The Lions Club of Christchurch has donated £1,000 to the Eye Unit at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. The money has helped to buy sets of Frisby Stereotest plates, which are used to test for sight anomalies. Head Orthoptist Julie Cartledge said: “We are really grateful to Christchurch Lions for this donation and are delighted with our new Frisbys, which we'll be able to use across the whole of our area".
Donations have also been gratefully received from Lloyd’s Bank, the Macular Degeneration Society, Waitrose and Wilkinsons.
Donations have also been gratefully received from Lloyd’s Bank, the Macular Degeneration Society, Waitrose and Wilkinsons.
Make over for children’s area in Eye Unit:
November 2, 2015 Posted by Bournemouthhospitalcharity
Children attending appointments at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital Eye Unit can now wait in the newly refurbished children’s area which has a new television to help pass the time during eye assessments.
The waiting room was last refurbished seven years ago, and with almost 900 attendances each month a little TLC was needed. The recent refurbishment was funded by Bournemouth Hospital Charity through donations from the Friends of the Eye Unit, J.P. Morgan, Yellow Buses’ Carbon Stoppers’ initiative and All Fired Up.
Julie Cartledge, Head Orthoptist, said: “Thanks to the generous donations, we now have a new child friendly storage unit and matching floor cushions for the children to relax on! We have also replaced all the books which have been very well used, and added some wall art in the form of a mirrored panel that makes unusual reflections – this has really caught the attention of the children. The TV has been the real winner, with the range of children’s channels really keeping the children distracted whilst waiting.”
Children who undergo a full eye examination at the unit especially benefit from the new TV due to the affects of the eye drops which are part of the investigations. The drops take at least 30 minutes to work and affect the child’s near vision which becomes increasingly blurred. This means that many books and toys available are ineffective. The child’s distance vision remains relatively unchanged, and so a children’s TV program can keep them entertained.
“We were delighted to be able to make a donation towards the TV,” says Ruth Tapscott, a member of the J.P. Morgan Community Relations Committee.
Stuart Smith, owner of All Fired Up Ceramics Cafe, said: “We are really happy to support local charities as much as possible. Being part of a family focused business, we were thrilled to be able to support this campaign which will benefit so many children.”
Jenni Wilkinson, Yellows’ Head of Marketing, said: “Carbon Stoppers has proved a great success and has benefited a wide variety of local good causes.
“It’s great to see the money put to such practical use at our local hospital.”
Children attending appointments at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital Eye Unit can now wait in the newly refurbished children’s area which has a new television to help pass the time during eye assessments.
The waiting room was last refurbished seven years ago, and with almost 900 attendances each month a little TLC was needed. The recent refurbishment was funded by Bournemouth Hospital Charity through donations from the Friends of the Eye Unit, J.P. Morgan, Yellow Buses’ Carbon Stoppers’ initiative and All Fired Up.
Julie Cartledge, Head Orthoptist, said: “Thanks to the generous donations, we now have a new child friendly storage unit and matching floor cushions for the children to relax on! We have also replaced all the books which have been very well used, and added some wall art in the form of a mirrored panel that makes unusual reflections – this has really caught the attention of the children. The TV has been the real winner, with the range of children’s channels really keeping the children distracted whilst waiting.”
Children who undergo a full eye examination at the unit especially benefit from the new TV due to the affects of the eye drops which are part of the investigations. The drops take at least 30 minutes to work and affect the child’s near vision which becomes increasingly blurred. This means that many books and toys available are ineffective. The child’s distance vision remains relatively unchanged, and so a children’s TV program can keep them entertained.
“We were delighted to be able to make a donation towards the TV,” says Ruth Tapscott, a member of the J.P. Morgan Community Relations Committee.
Stuart Smith, owner of All Fired Up Ceramics Cafe, said: “We are really happy to support local charities as much as possible. Being part of a family focused business, we were thrilled to be able to support this campaign which will benefit so many children.”
Jenni Wilkinson, Yellows’ Head of Marketing, said: “Carbon Stoppers has proved a great success and has benefited a wide variety of local good causes.
“It’s great to see the money put to such practical use at our local hospital.”
Christmas Fair 2015
Our Christmas stall was held on Saturday November 21st between 10.30 a.m. and 12 noon. Once again we joined with the Bournemouth League of Friends, but this year our venue was the Oasis Restaurant, overlooking the lake, near the main hospital restaurant. This was a pleasant venue, but perhaps not the best for "passing trade". Nevertheless, we had a good morning and made £200.00 by selling gift bags for £1.00 each. We are always appreciative of any additions to our funds.
Recently, we received £300.00 from the Waitrose green token collection bin in the Winton store.
Thank you as always for your support.
Our Christmas stall was held on Saturday November 21st between 10.30 a.m. and 12 noon. Once again we joined with the Bournemouth League of Friends, but this year our venue was the Oasis Restaurant, overlooking the lake, near the main hospital restaurant. This was a pleasant venue, but perhaps not the best for "passing trade". Nevertheless, we had a good morning and made £200.00 by selling gift bags for £1.00 each. We are always appreciative of any additions to our funds.
Recently, we received £300.00 from the Waitrose green token collection bin in the Winton store.
Thank you as always for your support.
Autumn 2015
Mr John Whitwell has retired as President after 23 years with The Friends and Miss Margaret Neville has also retired as Chair after almost 19 years. Grateful thanks have been given for the sustained hard work during this time.
Mrs Lis Corkell is Acting Chair and will continue supporting and leading the group.
Mr John Whitwell has retired as President after 23 years with The Friends and Miss Margaret Neville has also retired as Chair after almost 19 years. Grateful thanks have been given for the sustained hard work during this time.
Mrs Lis Corkell is Acting Chair and will continue supporting and leading the group.
How we have spent some of our funds - March 2014
A substantial donation was given towards the major refurbishment of the Day Room. This has resulted in a bright, airy, spacious room which both patients and staff appreciate and benefit from.
A contribution to The Dorset Blind Association has been made to assist with the continuation of this valuable help and information service for patients. The help desk is situated in The Eye Unit Outpatients Department on the ground floor.
A new computerised "Cataract Surgery Simulator" was required for the Eye Unit to enable trainee Ophthalmologists to learn and develop their surgical skills. Again we were able to assist with the purchase of this piece of vital equipment.
A substantial donation was given towards the major refurbishment of the Day Room. This has resulted in a bright, airy, spacious room which both patients and staff appreciate and benefit from.
A contribution to The Dorset Blind Association has been made to assist with the continuation of this valuable help and information service for patients. The help desk is situated in The Eye Unit Outpatients Department on the ground floor.
A new computerised "Cataract Surgery Simulator" was required for the Eye Unit to enable trainee Ophthalmologists to learn and develop their surgical skills. Again we were able to assist with the purchase of this piece of vital equipment.
From left, Christine Hardwick, RBCH Postgraduate Medical Centre Manager; Margaret Neville, Chairman of Friends of the Bournemouth Eye Unit; Lindsey Sturman, Fundraising Manager of Bournemouth Hospital Charity; Mr James Kersey, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Dr David Saunders, trainee ophthalmologist with the cataract surgery simulator
Article from The Blackmore Vale Magazine - Bournemouth Hospital gets cataract simulator:-
http://www.blackmorevale.co.uk/Bournemouth-Hospital-gets-cataract-simulator/story-199989089-detail/story.html
http://www.blackmorevale.co.uk/Bournemouth-Hospital-gets-cataract-simulator/story-199989089-detail/story.html
Money has also been donated towards the purchase of staff cardigans which incorporate the Eye Unit logo and we have also contributed to the purchase of several folding tables for the Seminar Room.
Our funds are constantly being spent to enhance the wellbeing of the patients and to enable staff to carry out their excellent work as efficiently as possible.
Our funds are constantly being spent to enhance the wellbeing of the patients and to enable staff to carry out their excellent work as efficiently as possible.
St Walburga's School Pirate Portraits - 3rd Sept 2013
Twenty nine children from St Walburga's School have designed some brilliant art work based on themes of Pirates. This will be used in the Eye Unit to advertise the Pirates Club for our junior patients and friends. Judith Allebon, one of the Friends Committee members, visited a school assembly and presented all the artists with a certificate to mark their success. A certificate was awarded to the school to mark this excellent link with the Eye Unit.
Pirates art competition 2013
Children from Year 1 at St Walburga's School, Bournemouth, are busy drawing pirates and ships, treasure and secret maps. Their hard work will be judged by Judith Allebon, Pirates Group Manager, and prizes will be awarded in a special ceremony at the school. The winning designs will go on display in The Eye Unit to advertise the Pirates Group which supports children below the age if sixteen.
Hospital eye unit funds blind association
This is Dorset 16th August 2013
DORSET Blind Association, which helps more than 1,000 people a month living with visual impairment, has just received a £3,000 donation from the Friends of the Bournemouth Eye Unit at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.
"We appreciate all our donations, but this money is particularly vital as it helps fund the post of Tiffany Deacon, our eye clinic support officer who is herself visually impaired," says Dorset Blind Association chief executive officer Jonathan Holyhead.
The help desk provides non-medical support and information to people who are newly diagnosed with severe sight loss, or whose condition is worsening.
"The Friends are extremely impressed with the invaluable work carried out by Tiffany and Iris, her guide dog, in the outpatients department of the Eye Unit and are delighted to provide annual financial support to help to enable this to continue," says Margaret Neville, chairman of the Friends of the Bournemouth Eye Unit.
http://www.thisisdorset.co.uk/Hospital-eye-unit-funds-blind-association/story-19668884-detail/story.html#ixzz2f3Kljla4