The new kitchen is opened by the QE2 League of Friends' chairman Sheila Marwood, and trustee Janet Fitzpatrick.

OCCUPATIONAL therapists at the QE2 Hospital now have a new kitchen to help them assess and treat patients, and help them look after themselves following an illness or disability.

The facility, based at the Ascots Day Centre, boasts a range of daily living gadgets designed to help patients regain their independence by preparing anything from a cup of tea to a meal.

The kitchen was funded by a £3,000 donation from the WGC hospital’s League of Friends, and officially opened by the group’s chairman Sheila Marwood and trustee Janet Fitzpatrick.

Head occupational therapist 
Alison Wilcox said: “This is a fantastic facility and we’re all extremely grateful to the League of Friends for making it possible.

“It’s so important for our patients to feel independent again and even something as simple as being able to make a cup of tea can make all the difference.

“This new kitchen will play a vital role in our patients’ treatment and rehabilitation and will ultimately allow us to get them back home along with the good advice, equipment and confidence they need to get on with their lives.”

Mrs Marwood said: “We were delighted to fund such a worthwhile project.

“So much thought had obviously gone into the planning and we are sure it will be of great benefit to all the patients who use it.

“They will feel so much more confident about being able to cope when they return home.”

Rebecca Cheesman, fundraising assistant with the hospital’s charity enhance herts, said: “Operating since 1963, the sheer scale of work the League of Friends undertakes is amazing.

“More than 200 dedicated volunteers ensure that each year a fantastic £40-50,000 is raised via the League of Friends shop and refreshments trolleys, to enable staff to purchase the vital ‘added extras’ which mean the difference between a good hospital, and a great hospital.”