Since it was first launched in May 1963, Friends of Moorfields has raised millions of pounds for Moorfields Eye Hospital, which has gone to support research, clinical equipment and facilities to improve patient care, services and the overall environment of the hospital for staff, patients and the public.
The original objectives were: “The raising of money to be spent on increasing the comfort of patients and the nursing staff, outside allocation provided by the Ministry of Health, and the recruitment of volunteers to help in the many ways which are of infinite importance to the happiness and general welfare of the patients, many of whom for shorter or longer periods are unable to see.” It is clear that not much has changed in more than 50 years! The NHS is still unable to fund everything that a hospital like Moorfields requires.
The first chairman was Lady Hoare and the treasurer was Sir Frederick Hoare. There were 57 subscribing members and 103 donors. The Friends had £250 in their bank account in 1963. As well as the main committee there were three sub-committees: Finance, Appeals and Voluntary Services. By December the voluntary scheme was organised with the aim of having 30 regular volunteer helpers at each main site (High Holborn, Highgate and City Road). Our membership is now approximately 750.
In the first year, the Friends raised £2,300 (£38,700 in today’s money). Volunteer activities included reading to and writing letters for patients; escorting patients to and from the hospital; mobile telephones (on trolleys!), bed tables, a talking book library and many other amenities.
The Friends’ shop opened in 1967, but it was little more than a kiosk. Today it has smart modern premises and a large stock of items for sale.