Guernsey’s Chest and Heart LBG has appointed a new Chair – who has warned that the island’s ageing population and the stresses of modern life are putting additional strain on the charity’s resources.
Sally-Ann David is taking the reins of the charity at a time when when it needs to raise more than £125,000 annually to maintain the vital free tests that it offers to everyone to keep checks on their heart health.
For half a century, the Guernsey charity has provided free and confidential health screenings for members of the public at its base in the grounds of the Princess Elizabeth Hospital.
The checks offered can help detect risks for serious conditions like heart attacks and strokes. They can also encourage people to make healthier life choices to reduce their risks of developing those serious conditions.
Mrs David said that these services are vitally important, but the charity also recognises the growing demand it is facing for funding – along with other third sector organisations in the island.
“In my own years of volunteering for Chest and Heart I have seen how it has evolved and grown but recognise that, as charitable funding becomes ever more limited and competitive, we have some significant challenges ahead to maintain this free service for the island.
“With an ageing demographic and people living ever more stressful lives, the need for our services is sadly becoming increasingly important and I am very grateful that we have such a dedicated team of medical professionals at the centre, as well as the loyal support of the Board to help drive us forward.”
In the face of this increasing demand, which Ms David said is partly down to businesses increasingly focusing on their employees’ wellbeing, the charity is now looking at how to secure its future while continuing to support the health of the island for the next 50 years.
“Additional funding would allow us to employ more nurses and expand to clear any backlog brought about by past lockdowns when our service had to suspended and meet additional demand for our services, especially from corporates who are placing more emphasis on employee wellbeing.
“As we are celebrating 50 years serving the island this year, my focus will be on the next 50 years and how we continue to help support the health of the island”.
As Chair, Mrs David is succeeding Dr Stephen Brennan Roper in the role. He has served the organisation for more than three decades already, but he won’t be stepping back entirely as he will remain on its board.
“It has been a privilege to be Chair of Chest and Heart and its Medical Director for so much of its history and I am very grateful for all the support and contributions from my Board colleagues, which has led to us being one of the foremost charitable organisations in Guernsey, helping to support islander’s health and wellbeing and saving lives in the process,” he said.
The new Chair, Mrs David said: “It is an absolute honour to take over from Dr Roper, who has dedicated so many years to the community and this charity in particular.”