Sheelagh Michelmore MBE, President of the Sidmouth Victoria Hospital Comforts Fund, has retired after 63 years of service to the NHS.
The Sidmouth Victoria Hospital Comforts Fund is a charitable organisation which supports the work of Sidmouth Victoria Hospital and its community and medical services. Created in 1955 it is run by a committee of 19 people who meet regularly at the hospital. The fund supports the work of the hospital through a voluntary service and also by funding equipment to improve the experience for patients.
Sheelagh has been president of the comforts fund since 2000, after first joining the committee in 1955 when she was in her 20’s. During this time she has overseen many of the fund’s great achievements, including a £5million refurbishment of the hospital and secured vital equipment, from medical devices to TV sets, which have made a real difference for patients and staff.
She was recently joined by fellow committee members and local dignitaries at a farewell celebration to mark her 63 years of service to the local community in Sidmouth.
Speaking at her farewell celebration Sheelagh said: “The comforts fund has been a great part of my life and I have relished every moment, working with a superb team, and I can think of no-one more appropriate than Councillor Frances Newth, who will now take on the role of president.
“We’ve come such a long way since I first joined the trustees and I wish that Sidmouth Victoria Hospital will be one of the best and most up-to-date hospitals in the South West. Thank you all so much for the support you have given me over the years.”
As well as her achievements with the comforts fund, Mrs Michelmore also founded Sidmouth International School, served as a governor at Sidmouth College and was awarded her MBE for services to the community in 1976.
To find out more about the Sidmouth Victoria Hospital Comforts Fund please visit their website.