WRVS cafe is weeks away from closure (From Echo)
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WRVS cafe is weeks away from closure
1:10pm Monday 4th October 2010 in Health By Jasmin McDermott
Service with a smile – WRVS volunteer Doris Tucker
A CHARITY which has dedicated more than 30 years to Southend Hospital will be kicked out at the end of October.
The WRVS runs a cafe and a shop in the outpatient department at the hospital, with a 38-strong team of volunteers.
It is being kicked out as part of a multi-million pound redevelopment of the hospital.
It set up a petition in May urging visitors, nurses and doctors to sign up to save the beloved coffee shop.
Despite the petition, which attracted more than 1,000 signatures in its first day, hospital bosses decided to continue negotiations with contractor Gentian.
The company will pay for a seven-figure refurbishment of the foyer and in return will be able to run a business there.
The cafe service will serve up its final cuppa on October 28. However, the WRVS still plans to continue its ward round trolley shop.
Joy Harris, 77, of Prince Avenue, Southend, has dedicated more than 20 years to volunteering, and was involved in the campaign.
She said: “The petition we organised seemed like a complete waste of time because it made no difference when we went to see the chairman.
“We even had letters from local councillors, MPs and from the Queen’s secretary supporting us.
“The volunteers are very disappointed. It is such a shame because there always has been a lovely atmosphere around the cafe.”
Mrs Harris is hoping to continue volunteering at the hospital because she has made friends there.
Rachel Cafferty, media officer for the charity, said it had been working to ensure the trolley serices would continue, and to arrange a new home from home support service in the community.
She added: “We would like to thank staff and volunteers for their hard work over the years.”
Comments(15)
'V'
says...
1:54pm Mon 4 Oct 10
The hospital management should hang their heads in shame. Better still they should all be named and shamed for this appalling act of ingratitude.
My suggestion would be for all future visitors to Southend hospital to boycott any non-charitable refreshment kiosk/shop on the hospital premises.
Alice in Her Own Land :P
says...
3:04pm Mon 4 Oct 10
S6girly
says...
3:39pm Mon 4 Oct 10
Call me tight but there's no way I'd pay over the odds for a cup of coffee, especially in the hospital.... It's hardly anywhere any of us choose to go for a day out....
livelyred
says...
4:07pm Mon 4 Oct 10
el caballero de la noche
says...
4:24pm Mon 4 Oct 10
I think it is all wrong as a good Polish restaurant would probably be used more.
However the best news is that there is a Pole Dancing premises opening next to the Cardiac unit.
All we want next is a Boots selling Viagra next to the Mortuary.
anon anon
says...
4:32pm Mon 4 Oct 10
el caballero de la noche wrote:you really are a total p...k
I have heard there will be a Tandori Indian opening just inside the front entrance with a McDonalds Golden Archway service further up on the left just past the X Ray machine. I think it is all wrong as a good Polish restaurant would probably be used more. However the best news is that there is a Pole Dancing premises opening next to the Cardiac unit. All we want next is a Boots selling Viagra next to the Mortuary.
get alife
livelyred
says...
5:25pm Mon 4 Oct 10
anon anon wrote:I agree u idiot
el caballero de la noche wrote: I have heard there will be a Tandori Indian opening just inside the front entrance with a McDonalds Golden Archway service further up on the left just past the X Ray machine. I think it is all wrong as a good Polish restaurant would probably be used more. However the best news is that there is a Pole Dancing premises opening next to the Cardiac unit. All we want next is a Boots selling Viagra next to the Mortuary.you really are a total p...k get alife
el caballero de la noche
says...
6:47pm Mon 4 Oct 10
livelyred wrote:I agree as well!!
anon anon wrote:I agree u idiot
el caballero de la noche wrote: I have heard there will be a Tandori Indian opening just inside the front entrance with a McDonalds Golden Archway service further up on the left just past the X Ray machine. I think it is all wrong as a good Polish restaurant would probably be used more. However the best news is that there is a Pole Dancing premises opening next to the Cardiac unit. All we want next is a Boots selling Viagra next to the Mortuary.you really are a total p...k get alife
ScrewedForAnother5years
says...
11:14pm Mon 4 Oct 10
anon anon wrote:Whilst I agree this post has been put in a flippant attitude, (S)he may have a point, the WRVS provided a valuable service but not at a big enough profit for the board of South East Essex health authority.
el caballero de la noche wrote: I have heard there will be a Tandori Indian opening just inside the front entrance with a McDonalds Golden Archway service further up on the left just past the X Ray machine. I think it is all wrong as a good Polish restaurant would probably be used more. However the best news is that there is a Pole Dancing premises opening next to the Cardiac unit. All we want next is a Boots selling Viagra next to the Mortuary.you really are a total p...k get alife
It will come down to whatever business offers the highest incentive who will get the contract to sell patients / visitors refreshments.
Remember the CEO of South East Essex Health Authority has got to justify his highly inflated salary somehow!
Care and compassion take a back seat to big business.
Nebs
says...
9:30am Tue 5 Oct 10
S6girly
says...
10:28am Tue 5 Oct 10
Do we not have to be grown ups to comment on here ?
UKGovnor
says...
11:42am Tue 5 Oct 10
diane m
says...
12:32pm Tue 5 Oct 10
The Ladies who work tirelessly at this kiosk are always friendly and helpful, often comforting folk on rougher days there, as well as making great cuppas.
I'd like to say thank you to each and every one of them, who gave their time and support. Our family will definately miss you.
daveyboy25
says...
4:35pm Tue 5 Oct 10
Peter Pantsless says...
1:41pm Mon 4 Oct 10
.
If true then expect to pay at something like £2 plus for a cuppa!