Founded 1988

IN 1988 medical and nursing staff in Naas Hospital identified a need in the area of patient care for a Stress ECG machine within the hospital.  This need arose because of the difficulty in getting appointments in Dublin Hospitals for Stress ECG's for cardiac patients. More updated cardiac monitoring devices and the replacement of other outdated equipment was also deemed a necessity.  In view of the difficulty in gaining extra resources from the Health Board, it was decided to set up a fund-raising Committee consisting of hospital staff and interested members of the public.

Within the last decade, approximately 800,000 Euros has been raised by fundraising ventures.  These have included various events such as fashion shows, concerts, food demonstrations, raffles, soccer matches, golf classics, marathons, cycle rallies, table quiz, dances and private donations.

Various groups have been involved in organising these events for example JF Dunne Insurance, The Lions Club, Naas Musical Society, The I.F.A. Bord Bia, Kare, The Vintners Association, Naas Cycle Club The Soroptimists and the Kildare GP Faculty, Nas Na Ri Singers, The Curragh Local History Group, Kildare Hunt Club and Macra Na Feirme.   Individuals have also contributed funds by getting sponsorship for various sporting events. We have received many donations in lieu of flowers from families of deceased patients and also been bequested money in wills. We are grateful for donations at any time.

The money has been used to purchase valuable equipment which enhances patient care in the hospital.  These include a Stress ECG Machine, Central Cardiac Monitor, 24 Hour monitoring devices, I.V. infusion pumps, morphine infusion syringes,  dinamaps, portable monitors, large couch & electronic standing frame in physio department, Ultra sound Couch for Xray Dept. printer for scope patients in theatre, Phlebotomy Chair for OPD,  Resistance Machine for Cardiac Rehab. reclining chairs for patients,  and many other items that enhance patient care. The Friends of Naas Hospital have contributed  to the setting up  of a service for Oncology Patients at Naas Hospital in 2006 and are now focusing on raising funds for the new stroke rehabilitation service which has recently commenced at the hospital.The Friends of Naas Hospital and Kildare Library Service have combined to provide a library service for patients and staff in Naas General Hospital. Books are available free of charge in the day room in each ward. The books have the category marked on the spine and are changed regularly.Library books can be exchanged in the day room or hospital staff can access books on behalf of patients in the hospital library.

The Friends of Naas Hospital would like to thank all who helped us over the years.

Members of the committee of the Friends of Naas Hospital can be contacted through Nursing Administration or Reception at the hospital.