Kingston Hospital Charity has announced it is merging with The Friends of Kingston Hospital.

 The Friends of Kingston Hospital was formed in 1954 with the aim of improving the everyday life of both patients and staff and we are always keen to provide those items which fall outside normal NHS budgets.

The decision was taken by the Friends of Kingston Hospital's current committee earlier this summer and ratified at Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust's board meeting in September this year.

Rob Aldous, Director of Kington Hospital Charity, said: "We're delighted that The Friends of Kingston Hospital is merging with Kingston Hospital Charity. The decision to merge was driven by a recognition that the Friends membership had dropped significantly over recent years.

"The relaunch of Kingston Hospital Charity at the end of 2017 also meant there were two organisations both raising funds for Kingston Hospital. Although now part of Kingston Hospital Charity, The Friends will continue to exist as a linked fund, meaning donations or gifts in wills to The Friends can still be received and used to enhance treatment and care of our patients."

To celebrate the event and to thank the Friends of Kingston Hospital committee, members from both charities met for a small tea party.

Any questions about the merger can be directed via email to [email protected].