Representatives of the Sandwell and Dudley branch of Unite the Union, met with staff and patients yesterday at the official launch of a fundraising partnership with the SWBH (Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals Trust) charity.
Unite’s Regional Secretary, Gerard Coyne and Shane Edwards, Unite representative were at the Priory Ground Children’s Ward to meet with Ward Manager Joy Haywood, Sarindar Sahota, Chair of the Charitable Funds Committee and members of the hospital Trust’s fundraising team
Head of Fundraising at the Trust, Carly Jones, said: “We are very grateful that Unite the Union want to build a strong charitable relationship with SWBH, and see it very much as a partnership. They are supporting projects that go above and beyond the core service of the NHS and will provide some additional facilities which will enhance patients’ experience.”
Initially the Union’s support will be concentrated on the paediatric unit at Sandwell Hospital and the first campaign they’re supporting is for the refurbishment of the outdoor children’s play area. Tomorrow they will also be making a donation towards sensory lights for use in distraction therapy for children with special educational needs.
Union secretary Gerard Coyne, born at Sandwell Hospital, says that like many of the local branch members he feels a strong personal connection to the SWBH Charity as a result. It is the first time the local branch has worked so closely with one charity but they feel it is an important asset to the local community and particularly pertinent as the NHS celebrates its 65th year.
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