Initially when we think of the contribution that these type of voluntary bodies made and continue to make to the comfort and well being of hospital patients and their visitors perhaps the usual things that come to mind are, providing refreshment and library trollies and greeting and guiding visitors.
Fund raising is also a crucial part of their remit and over a period of 30 years the Paignton League raised over £225,000. In the early years purchasing plots of land and in the following years contributing to several projects to improve facilities for patients and staff. From 1959 to 1980 these included donations towards ; the cost of the Outpatients Department,the Nurses Home and later swimming pool , the Maternity Ward , Staff Rest Rooms and in 1980 contributing £31,000 to the new Physiotherapy Unit.
We have here a brochure published in 1981 illustrating some of the major projects funded and driven by The Friends of Paignton Hospital.