1 September 2025
We are delighted to announce that, from 1 September 2025, Friends of Harefield Hospital has merged into Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals Charity. By joining forces, we can build on The Friends’ remarkable history and ensure even greater support for heart and lung patients.
A Legacy of Support
Since 1963, Friends of Harefield Hospital has been a vital part of the hospital community. What began with the Pavilion café and shop soon grew into a volunteer-led charity, funding projects both big and small, blood pressure monitors, theatre mattresses, lifting chairs, televisions for wards, and even contributions to Christmas gifts for patients.
The Friends also supported pioneering developments, such as funding a state-of-the-art training manikin for the STaR Centre in 2018, at a cost of £42,000. This investment helped train doctors, nurses and specialists, ensuring world-class care for patients.
Securing the Future
Through this merger, the legacy of Friends of Harefield Hospital is secure. Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals Charity will continue to make grants on their behalf, funding projects in the same spirit, practical support, patient comfort, and innovative equipment that makes a difference every day.
Volunteers and Community Spirit
At the heart of The Friends’ work were the volunteers who gave their time in the Pavilion café. More than a place for refreshments, it became a hub of community, care and friendship, somewhere patients, staff and carers could relax and connect. That community spirit will continue to inspire the work of Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals Charity.
A Shared Vision
Kay Andrews, Secretary of Friends of Harefield Hospital, reflects on the charity’s impact:
The Pavilion was always full of friendliness. Patients and staff would come together in a place of comfort, and the funds we raised helped the hospital in so many ways. I am proud that this legacy will continue through the Charity, supporting the hospital and its patients for years to come.
Richard Bowyer, Chief Executive of Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals Charity said:
We welcome the merger of the Friends of Harefield Hospital in our Charity. We look forward to continuing their work in bringing together a community that care about Harefield Hospital and funding projects that make a difference for patients. We would like to pay tribute to all who have volunteered for the Friends over the decades.
Together, we are stronger. Together, we will achieve even more for people living with heart and lung disease.
ENDS
Notes to editor
For further information please contact:
Jacqueline Nortman, Head of Marketing & Communications
About Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals Charity
Founded within the UK’s largest centre for heart and lung care, Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospital Charity provide specialist clinicians, academics and researchers with the funding, equipment and resources they need to better prevent, diagnose and treat heart and lung conditions.
We bring together world-class experts in medicine and research to uncover the answers we desperately need to change the tide of these life-shattering diseases. We can help make breakthroughs that ensure every patient gets the best possible treatment.
