DEVON hospital charities Over and Above and the RD and E Charity have joined forces and will be known as Royal Devon Hospitals Charity from this week.

The charities, which raise money to provide facilities and equipment beyond what’s possible with NHS funding, have merged following the union of Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust and the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust in April last year.

Ian Roome, Head of Fundraising for the newly-named Royal Devon Hospitals Charity, said the merger of the Trusts had presented both charities with an opportunity to do even more for hospitals in Exeter, north, mid and east Devon.

“Nothing has changed other than the name; the money raised locally can stay local and remains ringfenced for the cause it was raised for,” said Mr Roome.

“But by working together, the two charities have been able to pool their knowledge, resources, systems and processes, making us more efficient and meaning more money goes directly to our hospitals, wards and services.”

Since forming in 2011, Over and Above has raised £2.2m to build the Seamoor Chemotherapy Centre, and £1.5m for the Fern Centre, both at North Devon District Hospital. The new-look charity will continue to fund the Fern Centre, the hospital’s cancer and wellbeing centre.

After being established in 2019, the RD and E Charity has raised more than £250,000 to improve facilities for younger patients at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. Both charities have also funded countless other hospital wards and departments to help ensure our NHS is the best it can be for local patients. 

“We’re proud of our past but excited about our future and what we can do together,” added Mr Roome.

“Donations can be used to fund new state-of the-art equipment, create world-class patient and staff environments, support additional staff training and wellbeing projects, and fund cutting-edge research and development.

“Altogether, there are more than 250 different funds, so you can raise money for the specific hospital, ward or service that you choose to support.

“Or if you’d prefer, you can raise money for general funds and we’ll ensure the money is used by Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, wherever the need is greatest.

“People in Devon have been incredibly supportive of their local NHS and have helped leave an incredible legacy for healthcare in the area.

“We hope they will continue to support and help Royal Devon Hospitals Charity do brilliant things for our NHS in Exeter, north, mid and east Devon.”

To find out more about Royal Devon Hospitals Charity, visit: www.royaldevoncharity.org.uk .