Hospital women call it a day after 64 years of dedicated fundraising

The Otley Ladies Hospital Group has spent 64 years supporting Wharfedale Hospital, but now the group is to call it a day.

The group, formed in 1950, came together to support the fledgling NHS provide additional care at the hospital by donating goods, raising money and visiting patients on the wards.

The Ladies have now decided to retire from their fundraising efforts, and so to mark the contribution they have made to the Otley-based hospital, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust commissioned a new plaque, celebrating the illustrious history of the group and the dedication of the Ladies past and present.

The plaque was unveiled in a small ceremony in the hospital, followed by afternoon tea and presentations on behalf of the staff and the Ladies.

Zoe Kirk, Head of Nursing at Wharfedale Hospital, said “It is the end of an era for us here at Wharfedale. The Ladies have played such an instrumental role in helping staff to provide care by ensuring that we have extra comforts for patients on our wards.”

In total the Ladies have raised over £85,000 through garden parties, bake sales and various other social events. They helped pay for ward refurbishments, an overnight room for families of patients, televisions and books and toys for children.

Chairman Margaret Mudd said “It has been a privilege to have been part of such a wonderful organisation. It makes me immensely proud to look back on all of the good works that the Otley Ladies have done

“It is ever so sad that we must wind up our operations. However, with improvements in the health system and services being moved around Leeds our support no longer is needed in the way that it once was.”