The League of Friends of the Bexhill Hospital CIO

29/11/2025

The League of Friends has lost a true friend and a highly effective and ever-enthusiastic partner with the death of Irvine Unit Chaplain the Rev. Neville Barnett.

Neville once described the Irvine Unit as “the jewel in Bexhill’s crown.” He was
whole-hearted in his support for the work of the unit and for the dedication and commitment of its staff.

Neville was a firm believer in the healing power of music and a great admirer of the Arts In Healthcare service which brings live music into the hospital environment.

The League of Friends will sorely miss a true friend. We send our sincere sympathy both to Janet and to their son, Ian, who was often among his Father’s chosen artists where Arts In Healthcare service was concerned.

"Sleep well, dear friend. May you find eternal rest."

24/11/2025

Patients take on Stroke Assocation’s challenge and beat it by miles!

Patients and staff at Bexhill Irving Unit, and Rye, Winchelsea and District Memorial Hospital, joined forces in October to take on the Stoke Association’s '62 miles in October' challenge, and raise money at the same time.

But the teams not only met the Stroke Associations challenge, they beat it by a long way, cycling the equivalent of 324.39km or 201.56 miles!

Julie-Anne Neuss, Service Manager – Intermediate care said: “Patients undergoing rehabilitation in Bexhill Irvine Unit and Rye, Winchelsea and District Memorial Hospital joined forces to cycle 62 miles in October 2025. The teams consisted of patients who had suffered a stroke, but also a number of other patients, including spinal injuries, fractures and frailty; all working together for a shared goal.”

Thank you to everyone involved in this spectacular achievement and for raising £610 for the Stroke Association.

https://www.esht.nhs.uk/2025/11/21/patients-take-on-stroke-assocations-challenge-and-beat-it-by-miles/

09/11/2025

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.

06/11/2025

12/10/2025

Last night, we held our second music and buffet evening at The Poppy Club in Little Common, following on from the success of the last event in 2024. The Chandeliers Uk’ skilled rendering of a succession of time-honoured hits immediately filled the dance floor with merry-makers, a process which continued throughout the evening.

Thank you all for attending our event last night, supporting your local hospital. Your generosity enables the League to continue providing equipment to benefit local patients; “Working for the good of local patients since 1952”.

Thank you to all the individuals and businesses who donated raffle prizes.

The Chandeliers UK’ first number had been “What a Night.” What a night indeed!!

Thank You,
Nigel Ray (Chair)
Molly Dowling (Vice-Chairman)

07/10/2025

The League of Friends of the Bexhill Hospital operate two Coffee Shops; One in the main hospital reception, and one in the Irvine Unit.

Both of our Coffee Shops are run by a wonderful team of volunteers. Both shops offer a range of fresh and tasty products including, Tea, Coffee, Sandwiches, Salads and Wraps. There is also the option of purchasing sweet treats such as Crisps and Chocolate.

Both shops are open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm.

All profits from our Coffee Shops go back into buying equipment for our wonderful hospital - “Working for the good of local patients since 1952.”

Interested in becoming a member? Simply follow this link: https://form.jotform.com/Bexhill/bexhill-lof-membership

02/10/2025

As we enter the season of Autumn, our popular Christmas Cards are now available to purchase; through our Hospital Coffee Shops, or by contacting Molly, our Vice-Chairman.

This year, we have two popular designs available to purchase; 10 cards for £5.

The proceeds from the sale of our Christmas Cards help The League of Friends of the Bexhill Hospital CIO to fund medical equipment for the benefit of Bexhill patients.

16/09/2025

We will be at the Bexhill Street Market this weekend!! Pop down and see us, and find out more about the work of the League and how you can support your local hospital.

Don't forget our next event! Please come and support us and your local community! Buy your Bexhill Calendar in aid of Brain Tumour Research from our stall and try your luck on our tombola!

15/09/2025

The League of Friends of the Bexhill Hospital have funded the £5,000 cost of purchasing heart defibrillators and backpacks. Working in association with Cooden Probus Club, which administers the scheme, the defibrillators are available for local organisations to borrow free of charge to provide safety cover at events. The devices "talk" to the user, explaining how to revive a casualty in the event of heart failure.

14/09/2025

The Bexhillian who creates King Charles’ military uniforms offered his tailor’s shears to the League Chairman so Nigel Ray could cut a ceremonial ribbon and so re-open a long-missed amenity.

For many years, the League operated coffee shops in both the hospital outpatients’ department and the Irvine Unit foyer. Sadly, five years ago and with COVID raging, the health trust needed the space in the Irvine Unit for storage and the shop had to close.

Now the Irvine Unit coffee shop is open once more, offering a range of sandwiches, sweets and beverages for the benefit of patients, staff and visitors.

Just how much the facility has been missed was demonstrated on Monday, September 8th when the ribbon-cutting ceremony was witnessed by a large number of staff – who immediately formed a queue to stock up on its wares.

Balloons and coloured streamers framed the Coffee Shop opening as the Chairman welcomed everyone and introduced Malcolm Plews.

In addition to providing a much-valued service for patients, staff and visitors alike, the two Coffee Shops generate income which aids the League’s work of providing the latest hi-tech medical equipment for Bexhill patients.