The group fought for Stracathro Hospital to retain essential services, which were under threat of being removed, following the Acute Services Review in 1998. Whilst emergency care and services were centralised to Ninewells Hospital, other services were retained within Stracathro. When the campaigning had ended members of Friends of Stracathro were keen to be involved in the future of the hospital.
The group transformed into a fund-raising, charitable organisation, that works along with NHS Tayside, to enhance the experience of patients and staff within Stracathro Hospital. Friends of Stracathro organise fundraising events and have been extremely fortunate to receive donations from the public. In consultation with hospital staff, these funds are used to purchase equipment that is not part of NHS Tayside’s core equipment list, but which benefit patients. Friends of Stracathro have funded thousands of pounds worth of equipment, including cutting edge, highly technical equipment which improves patient outcomes and simple but effective items that have increased patient comfort and experience.
