1. Projects

Major Improvements of Sidmouth Hospital

Hospital Rebuild

In 1989 the Comforts Fund started one of the largest projects it had ever undertaken.  It had become clear that Sidmouth Hospital was in need of a huge improvement to bring it up to the standard that hospitals would be expected to have in the 21st century.  Plans were drawn up for major improvements in the hospital.

Because this was the largest project the Comforts Fund had ever undertaken, the Comforts Fund decided that the work would be carried out in five phases.   Four were completed between 1990 and 2006,  work on Phase 5 was completed in June 2014. The total cost was just under £4,000,000, all of which was donated by the Comforts Fund with donations made by local support.

The construction of the therapeutic garden situated between the two main hospital wings opened in August 2018.  It was designed following advice from the both physiotherapy team and dementia staff to offer the most advantageous benefits to patients.

Patients have been using the garden to sit in, or just to look at from their wards.  All have admired it.  Comments from patients have commented, “Tis lovely”, “I like the letter box,” “It’s peaceful,” “I like to sit on a bench and enjoy a cup of tea.”

More improvements were made to the garden area outside the day room on the other side of the main ward in Spring 2019.

Cost £45,000

Vending Machine

A vending machine serving hot drinks has been installed in the reception area of the hospital.  Payment is uniquely by card. Its installation was arranged by the Comforts Fund following requests from hospital users.  It’s proving to be very popular for all its customers.

Cycle Shelter

Patients, visitors and staff who cycle to Sidmouth Hospital can now leave their bikes safe and dry in the new cycle shelter next to the main entrance.  The project was funded by the Sidmouth Victoria Hospital Comforts Fund following requests by hospital staff.

Car Park Improvement

The Comforts Fund in association with the hospital property services team are looking at ways to improve car park facilities for patients who need to visit the hospital and staff.

2. Other Expenditure

Other projects have included purchasing essential items to improve the comfort of patients at the hospital.  Below is a list of just some of the items costing more than £1000 that the Comforts Fund has supplied funds for since 2008.  The Comforts Fund has also purchased many other items costing less than £1000.