St George's, Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Group

More than 100,000 racing fans are expected to visit Epsom Downs Racecourse for the Oaks and the Derby today and on Saturday.

Please stay safe by staying hydrated and looking out for others.

If you have an urgent medical need – which is not an emergency:

💻️ Use NHS 111 online so you can be directed to the right place to get help.

🚶‍♂️‍➡️ Visit a local pharmacy for advice and some are able to offer prescription treatment for certain conditions without you needing to see a doctor first.

More information here https://www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/news-and-events/what-to-do-if-someone-becomes-unwell-during-epsom-derby-weekend-8907

We’re proud to announce a new partnership between Morden United FC and Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity for the 2026/27 season ⚽

Throughout the year, Morden United FC will be raising funds and support for Queen Mary’s Hospital for Children at St Helier Hospital, helping make a difference for young patients and their families.

We’re excited for a season of football and fundraising- kicking off with an event we will share more about soon, watch this space! 👀

Morden United FC

🗨️ “What I enjoy most about volunteering is the people. There are many inspirational people I meet along the way."

This week is Volunteers Week - so meet Alan Bowen who is a St George’s Hospital Charity volunteer and finalist in the Volunteer of the Year at gesh CARE Awards 2025 and this week's staff story.

This is where we hear about the difference one of our dedicated staff members makes to our patients and communities, and how they are unique ❤️

Alan said “Prior to retiring, I worked as a Distribution Warehouse Manager for Smiths News for 42 years. Very quickly, I realised retirement wasn’t for me, so shortly after my wife enquired at St George’s Hospital Charity about volunteering opportunities, I joined and haven’t looked back. I wanted to stay active and continue contributing meaningfully to my community, and the charity provided the perfect opportunity to use my skills while giving back locally.

“I’ve now been volunteering for ten years. My main role is supporting the Fundraising Team. No two days are the same, my tasks vary from data input and stock counts to gathering fundraising materials and supporting events. I enjoy the variety, it keeps things interesting and means I’m always learning something new.

“What I enjoy most is the people. Whether it’s NHS colleagues, the public, or fundraisers, I really value those interactions and the sense of community. There are many inspirational people I meet along the way, and that’s what makes the role so rewarding.

"Being a finalist for Volunteer of the Year at the gesh CARE Awards was incredibly motivating. It meant a lot to be recognised in that way, and it gave me a real boost knowing that the contribution I make, often through the small, day-to-day tasks, has been seen and valued.

“One of my favourite parts of the year is selling Christmas cards and getting involved in the build-up to Christmas with staff and patients. It’s a simple tradition, but it brings everyone together and is, without doubt, my favourite time of year. I also always look forward to the annual supporter thank-you event.

“I think volunteering within a healthcare setting is so important because people bring a wide range of life experience that really adds value. Being part of St George’s Hospital Charity has become a meaningful and rewarding part of my life, giving me the chance to give back, make a difference, and continue to grow. My advice to anyone thinking about volunteering is simple: just do it. You’ll get so much more from it than you expect.

“Outside of volunteering, I’m a lifelong Wolverhampton Wanderers fan, though I do try to keep that a secret!”

“It makes it feel like I can breathe freely again.” 💙

Catherine Oppong-Barbo has worked as a neurosurgery nurse at St George’s Hospital since 2017, and is currently being treated in the ward she usually works in after suffering a brain haemorrhage two weeks ago.

“Now I’m using the balcony as a patient, I can put myself in their shoes and truly feel how big of an impact this is going to make”, said Catherine, as the balcony was officially opened by Her Majesty The Queen yesterday afternoon.

What a special moment for Catherine, St George’s Hospital colleagues and charity trustees – and thank you to John King Brain Tumour Foundation and St George's Hospital Charity for making this happen ✨

A truly memorable day on the ward 💙

Yesterday afternoon, The Queen met patients, families and healthcare professionals at St George’s Hospital - sharing words of encouragement and appreciation for those receiving treatment and those delivering care, every day.

We are deeply grateful to and for helping create uplifting moments like these for our hospital community ✨

Thank you to everyone who joined us on the day to celebrate the opening of the neurology department’s balcony garden, purposefully designed for some of the hospital’s most critically ill patients.

Look who visited St George’s Hospital today ✨

We were honoured to welcome Her Majesty The Queen to our Neurology Intensive Care Unit this afternoon, as she officially opened the Atkinson Morley balcony garden and spoke to patients, charity trustees, doctors, nurses and other health professionals about the impact the space will have.

The balcony garden would not have been possible without the support of our incredible charity, and , whose ongoing dedication continues to improve the lives of our patients and their families.

Thank you to The Queen for her time and compassion today as we celebrate opening our beautiful rooftop garden, which transforms a previously unused area into an accessible outdoor space directly connected to the Neuro Intensive Care Unit.

There are strikes planned on the Tube this week that may affect your journey to our hospitals.

Industrial action is due all day Tuesday and again all day on Thursday.

If you or a loved one has an appointment during the strikes, please attend it as planned. Please plan your journey ahead and allow extra time to get there.

There are parking spaces at our hospitals, but they are limited.

If you are not able to attend an appointment, please let us know as soon as you can. You can do this by calling the number on the correspondence sent to you.

For more information on the strikes visit tfl.gov.uk/campaign/strikes.

Today marks the starts of Volunteers Week so meet Marion Landeg - a former nurse who has been volunteering in the Emergency Departments at Epsom and St Helier for an amazing 15 years.

Marion describes her role as a true “win-win” as she gives up her free time to support patients who may feel alone or unsure, offering reassurance, explaining what’s happening, and acting as an advocate when it’s needed most.

No two days are ever the same. Whether it’s fetching a pillow, offering a drink, or simply spending a moment with someone who needs comfort, Marion’s kindness helps ease pressure on busy staff so they can focus on clinical care.

Marion’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed as she was proudly named Volunteer of the Year at last year’s gesh CARE Awards

The awards – sponsored by St George's Hospital Charity and Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity, plus local businesses – recognise clinical and non-clinical staff who make a difference to patients, colleagues, and the wider community.

Marion says: “Every day I volunteer, I’m reminded how meaningful small acts can be. I may not remember every situation, but I’ll never forget the look on someone’s face when a simple gesture makes their day a little easier. It’s a privilege to work alongside such dedicated staff, all striving to make a difference.”

Thank you Marion - and all of the volunteers who work hard across the group - for everything you do ❤️