A FAIRFORD charity has been singled out in Gloucestershire for setting the benchmark for care in the community.

Members of the League of Friends of Fairford Hospital were told at their annual meeting this year that its vision of providing healthcare as close to home as possible had been embraced by the Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust.

Chairman of the trust Ingrid Barker said the league’s work was playing a key role in the delivery of health and caring in the community.

“The League of Friends of Fairford Hospital contributes a considerable sum of money every year to support community nursing services as well as support groups and clinics which are run from the hospital, and we are very grateful for their constant support,” said Ms Barker.

“The friends share our vision of providing health and social care as close to home as possible and help us to make this vision a reality, something I hope that we can continue to strengthen and develop together for the local community.”

The League of Friends supports the two GP surgeries in Fairford and Lechlade.

One man who benefits is Fairford-based Robert Morgan who suffers psoriatic arthritis which attacks the joints, tendons and muscles. He is housebound with only his two cats, Echo and Riley for company.

“The volunteers at the hospital are very good and reliable too which is important,” said Robert.

“I think there are a lot of things going on in the community which do not get recognition. The League of Friends should. There is a lot of work involved.

“They’re always need more volunteers instead of volunteers who they have to call on all the time.”

E-mail fairford.lof@hotmail.co.uk to find out more.