Young people rise to The Challenge to raise money for local hospital

Young people participating in the National Citizen Service (NCS) programme have partnered with Epsom Medical Equipment Fund to raise money towards the purchase of a new vital signs monitor for the Day Case Unit at Epsom Hospital.

The new Dinamap monitor, which cost £1,500, will be used for general observations, such as checking heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels. Sister Lorna Belen said: “The number of patients we see in the Day Case Unit has increased significantly in recent years, especially since the new unit was opened. The new monitor is a very welcome addition and will be of immense benefit to our patients who need continuous monitoring following their surgery.”

The purchase of the new monitor was made possible by the fundraising efforts of 16 and 17-year olds who signed up to be part of the NCS, run by charity The Challenge. The government-backed programme gives young people the opportunity to build skills for work and life while taking on new challenges, meeting new people and making a difference in the local community.

Bess Harding, co-ordinator of the Epsom Medical Equipment Fund, explained: “We had two groups of 25 young people who took part in a number of different events and activities to help us raise the money needed. One group decided to bake cakes to sell in the Ashley Centre, alongside other items provided by the Fund, and they are certainly very talented! They produced an eye-catching and delicious selection of cakes which were snapped up by eager shoppers, helping to raise £246. We are very appreciative of the support we received from the Ashley Centre management.

“The second group helped with the running of the charity car boot sale at Epsom Hospital, where they met and greeted buyers, explaining to them the work of Epsom Medical Equipment Fund and the numerous items of equipment the Fund has purchased for the hospital. Both groups also took part in some other events, including a sponsored walk which raised £455, bringing the total to £721. We are very grateful for their effort and support.”

The new monitor was presented to the team on the Day Case Unit by Cath Lyden, Programme Manager for The Challenge, and Ola Kolade, Programme Associate for the Epsom area. On receiving the new monitor, Sister Belen said: “We are extremely grateful for the new monitor, and would like to thank Epsom Medical Equipment Fund for their continued support, and the young people who worked so hard to help raise the funds for it.”

More information about the National Citizen Services (NCS) Challenge, including the chance to sign up for the summer 2016 programme, can be found at www.ncsthechallenge.org. For more information about Epsom Medical Equipment Fund and to find out how you can get involved, please visit http://www.emef.org.uk/ or https://www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/get-involved.