League of Friends Sweet Shop re-opens at Salisbury District Hospital

The much-missed League of Friends shop at Salisbury District Hospital is re-opening on 21st June.

The shop, near the Main Reception, sells handmade confectionery, chocolate and fudge, and will be an outlet for products made by patients working in the Wessex Rehabilitation Centre.

First opening its doors in 1993, the shop has become a familiar and welcoming feature of the hospital for patients, visitors and staff and is staffed completely by League of Friends volunteers. However, as with some other amenities in the hospital the shop has been closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when most volunteers were not allowed to work on site. During the pandemic the League of Friends ensured hospital staff’s sweet tooth was satisfied and very generously gave away their entire stock of sweets to them.

Andy Hyett, Chief operating Officer, said, “Obviously, it has not been the same here since the volunteers have been gone, so it will be a welcome and cheering addition to our hospital when they can return and once again offer their goods to customers.“

David Stratton, League of Friends Chairman, said, "It's wonderful to be getting back to some level of normality - we know patients, their families and the occasional staff member enjoy a sweet treat now and again and it's a great way to support the League of Friends."

Besides sweets, visitors, patients and staff can choose from My Trusty health & beauty products, notelets, cards and baby clothes knitted by some of their volunteers. The shop hours will be Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm. All COVID-19 restrictions will apply.

The League of Friends has been raising funds to support small projects in the hospital, as well as health care services within the local area since 1954. To find out how to support the League of Friends visit https://www.salisbury.nhs.uk/wards-departments/charities/league-of-friends/support-us/

11 June 2021