11th August 2011 - Eileen blooms as new Airedale hospital charity chair

Flower enthusiast Eileen Proud has taken over the helm of Airedale hospital’s charity – Friends of Airedale – for the next year.

She has been a ‘friend’ to Airedale NHS Foundation Trust for over 20 years and has been leader of the flower section which provides weekly arrangements in the chapel and in main reception areas.

In the past Eileen has been head cook at South Craven School, moved into catering at Airedale Hospital in 1971, and then became patient services manager before retiring in August 1999.

She said: “Airedale hospital has been a huge part of my life. I am looking forward to the challenge of my new role and have been enjoying it up to now.

“I have always been interested in the hospital and there is such a need for unpaid workers to support its staff.

“The Friends of Airedale work very hard to help wherever possible with patient care, dignity and comfort. Our aim is to continue to do this through what are difficult times.”

Elieen, of Baxter Wood in Cross hills, and is a member of the National Association of Flower Arranging Society.

She also works closely with the Alzheimer’s Society – for 11 years she cared for her husband Harry, who suffers from Alzheimers - and the Carers Resource. She is a member of the hospital’s dignity group. Her new role involves chairing the Friends of Airedale’s meetings and visiting departments to find out what support they need. She works every Monday and Thursday mornings – but also on other occasions when needed.