Row as charity is told to vacate Clatterbridge hospital gift shop

Nov 19 2008 by Lorna Hughes, Bromborough and Bebington News

A ROW has erupted over the closure of a gift shop run by another charity at Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology.

Clatterbridge Cancer Research has been told it must vacate the shop in February because Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology is increasing its own fundraising efforts.

Volunteers and patients have contacted the News to say they are saddened at the decision, describing the shop as a “lifeline” for patients.

Jane Simpson, chief executive of Clatterbridge Cancer Research, said she was trying to arrange a meeting with Darren Hurrell, chief executive of Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology, to discuss the matter.

Mr Hurrell said he regretted any upset caused by the decision and would consult patients and staff to ensure services provided by the shop are maintained.

One volunteer at the shop said: “I was appalled to learn that we have had notice to vacate the premises in February 2009.

“This shop is a chance for the many patients undergoing harrowing treatment to have a laugh, a cry or a break from their treatment.

“They say prevention is better than a cure so why is it that a charity raising money for research is being ostracised from a site where other charities are based?”

Jane Simpson said: “It is important that a meeting is held urgently so that we can resolve this issue and explain the position to our many supporters.”

Darren Hurrell said the decision to close the shop had been discussed with Clatterbridge Cancer Research several months ago.

He added: “We regret that the decision to remove the Clatterbridge Cancer Research charity gift shop has caused upset to some of the volunteers but please be assured that patient care is at the heart of everything we do at this centre and we will ensure that this decision will in no way result in a disadvantage to patients.

“The hospital is going through exciting changes, we are rapidly expanding our services and as such the hospital’s own fundraising efforts need to increase.

“The café and confectionery shop will not be affected by the changes but the space currently occupied by the small gift shop will be remodelled.

“We will be holding consultations with patient and staff groups to ensure any essential provisions currently provided by the shop be maintained in other outlets.”