HRH Princess Alexandra arrives at Care for Veterans (credit: John Young Photography)
Princess Alexandra meets staff at Care for Veterans (credit: John Young Photography)
HRH unveils the plaque for the opening of the Richmond Wing (credit: John Young Photography)
Princess Alexandra meets eldest resident, Irene Barclay (99 years old) (credit: John Young Photography)
Princess Alexandra signs the Care for Veterans visitor’s book (credit: John Young Photography)
Last week, HRH Princess Alexandra came to Worthing to visit residents and staff at local charity, Care for Veterans, of which she is President.
The charity (formerly known as The Queen Alexandra Hospital Home), has recently extended one of its wings, to enlarge and improve the facilities in two existing rooms and build two additional single en-suite rooms. This not only provides two more beds, enabling the charity to care for more veterans and their family members, but it also gives greater flexibility when admitting both permanent and respite residents.
Her Royal Highness came to officially open the extended ward, which has been renamed the Richmond Wing.
The Princess was taken on a tour of the new facilities by Chief Executive, Andy Neaves, and Director of Nursing, Valerie Walker, where she met and spoke with residents and staff.
CEO, Andy Neaves, said: “The extension project has gone really well and we would like to thank the team responsible for all their hard work. We are very proud of what has been achieved and the rooms had their first occupant from September. Furthermore, we can accommodate the two extra rooms within our current staff level so our staff costs have not been increased. We’re grateful to HRH Princess Alexandra for coming to see us here at Care for Veterans, and formally opening the new Richmond Wing. Many veterans have enjoyed the visits by The Princess over the years, and the charity is very proud to have her continued support.”
During her visit, Princess Alexandra also confirmed that she would remain President of the charity for the next three years.
About Care for Veterans
Care for Veterans (formerly The Queen Alexandra Hospital Home) was established in 1919 – the charity celebrates its 98th birthday this year (2017).
Care for Veterans is a registered charity, providing care and rehabilitation for physically disabled ex-Service personnel and their families. Our residents’ needs are complex and many have multiple disabilities. Many have an Acquired Brain Injury and some have neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s or Multiple Sclerosis. Others are paralysed or do not have use of their limbs and some are terminally ill. We support on average 140 residents a year.
We care for up to 60 residents at any one time.
The average age of residents is 65 with the eldest resident being 99 and the youngest 31.
Our residents represent the tri-services: Royal Navy, Army and RAF.
Services at Care for Veterans include nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, an active social and recreation department, rehabilitation kitchen, a chaplaincy service, counselling, IT facilities, a rehabilitation garden, sensory room, coffee shop and function room and regular outings on our specially adapted coach.
With no regular government funding, Care for Veterans must raise over £1.3 million each year to maintain its nursing and rehabilitation services for ex-Servicemen and women.
Care for Veterans
Gifford House, Boundary Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 4LJ
Telephone 01903 218444
www.careforveterans.org.uk
fundraising@careforveterans.org.uk
Registered Charity No: 1072334
