AGM: Updates on our activities, plus insights from around Moorfields

The meeting took place at St Luke’s Community Centre, just a few minutes’ walk away from Moorfields City Road, and was attended by trustees, staff members, and dozens of our members and volunteers.

As well as handling the official business of the AGM, we heard from speakers from Moorfields and Friends on a variety of interesting topics.

After our chairman Tim Hutchings welcomed everyone, and the members approved the minutes from the previous AGM, Consultant Ophthalmologist Professor Andrew Webster shared his work on genetic eye conditions.

Next, the meeting moved on to official business. Long-serving trustee Michael Parker stepped down – we’re very grateful for his valuable contributions over the years. He will remain a member of our governance committee. Three trustees co-opted during the year – Neil Ashcroft, Louise Boddy and Carl Curbishley – were elected by the full membership, and we’re very pleased to welcome them aboard!

Following this, an incredible 26 long service awards were given out to volunteers. These were mainly celebrating five years of service, as a number of volunteers joined us in 2019 following an appeal by HelpForce. Congratulations to all the volunteers who were recognised!

In his Chairman’s Report, Tim Hutchings highlighted the range of tasks volunteers help with at Moorfields, and concluded by thanking the volunteers, members and staff for all their support and hard work.

Neil Ashcroft, treasurer, presented the annual accounts.

Chief executive Angela Smith gave an update on our progress towards our strategic objectives for 2022-2027, particularly focusing on the growth and diversity of our volunteer community – we now have around 340 volunteers, from a wide range of backgrounds. She also looked forward to the challenge of supporting patients with wayfinding after the move to the new centre in 2027.

Moorfields chief operating officer Jon Spencer gave a progress report on the new centre, as well as on the Electronic Patient Record project which will improve clinical outcomes by making clinical information easier for clinicians to access and use. Elena Bechberger, director of strategy and partnerships, talked about how innovation at Moorfields is driving improvements to care.

Many thanks to everyone who attended the AGM! If you were not able to attend, or would like to review the presentations, you can view and download them below.