I am writing to introduce myself as the new Chair of the Friends of St. Marys Hospital charity. Lesley Myland, after 12 years of amazing service, stood down at the recent AGM and I was voted in. Lesley will be a very hard act to follow - she was a brilliant Chair and spokesperson for the Friends and led the organisation with integrity and compassion, carefully navigating the many challenges sent our way - including Costa and Covid! - and ensuring the Friends continue to be a

It does not seem possible that it was 12 years ago when a Trustee of the Friends pounced on me outside the Lifeboat station in Cowes saying the Friends couldn’t find a new chairman and I might do! I had just recovered from treatment at St Mary’s and did feel a certain pull to do something for the hospital. I had just retired from full time work, so I went through the recruitment process and began in the role in June 2014. Every one spoke of 5-year tenures. I never expected i

The chair allows for patients to be seated whilst a mammogram is undertaken. This chair also enables the patient to stay seated after the mammogram for transportation around the department for further imaging/testing. Previously patients moved between the department rooms and transfer to multiple chairs, increasing the risk of falls. In “doubling up” as a wheelchair, this allows the patient to become situated once. Maintaining their comfort throughout the appointment. Jill Sh

Lesley Myland (Chairman of Friends of St Mary’s Hospital "Yet again Jussna Mateen and her family have honoured the Friend of St Mary’s Hospital by raising funds for us by way of arranging a takeaway curry for colleagues. The family restaurants bear the cost of the food, preparation and packing and the income from the exercise is then donated to the Friends. The latest event in October raised £700, which is so amazing. The Friends very much appreciate the time, effort and pl

The models were funded with a kind donation to the Friends from the Godshill Girls Group from a Raffle event. A big thank you goes to the Group for thinking of the Friends. Introduction of the “Breast Self-Examination” model will enhance the services provision of community engagement as members of the Isle of Wight community will have the opportunity to engage in practical learning about breast cancer. The model contains both palpable and non-palpable lumps which supports