
Local MP Tom Gordon has visited Harrogate District Hospital to see how his double marathon fundraiser is helping to enhance patient care.
The MP ran marathons in London and Paris to fundraise for both Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity (HHCC) and Open Country.
He was given a tour of several departments last Friday (9th May) to see first-hand how charity fundraising is enhancing patient care.
Within the Women’s Unit, funds raised by the MP will be invested in a Fluid Warmer Cabinet, a device that helps warm the fluid used during a hysteroscopy, (a diagnostic procedure for looking inside a woman’s womb) making the procedure more comfortable for patients.
The cabinet costs £1,400 and is expected to make a significant positive impact on patient experience.
Tom said:
“It was great to visit Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity, meet some of the fantastic teams at the hospital, and hear more about how the money I’ve raised will support both staff and patients.
“I am pleased to have been able to contribute to their vital work and look forward to continuing to support the charity in the future.”
The maternity team also presented their newly donated and transformed courtyard garden outside the Maternity Ward.
This is designed to be a tranquil outdoor space that offers expectant parents a calming environment surrounded by nature, away from busy hospital wards.
The team also met with Tom Gill, Service Manager from the hospital’s Emergency Department (ED), who shared insight into the vital work carried out by the Trust’s frontline teams.
Mr Gordon had the chance to meet Andy Howell, a Meet and Greet Trust volunteer, to get a valuable glimpse into the impact of the hospital’s hardworking volunteering team, who enhance patients and visitors’ experience.
Lulu Tucker, Assistant Director of Strategy said:
“It was great to have Tom Gordon come and visit us at HHCC, both to thank him for fundraising for us in his marathons, and to show him some of the amazing work the charity has funded across Harrogate District Hospital.
“The money Tom has raised will make a huge difference to patients undergoing hysteroscopy procedures, enhancing their experience of our vital services.”