THIS week we report that the Royal Voluntary Service will soon no longer serve Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester after 76 years.

The charity has been told that its services are no longer required.

Some volunteers have given their time every week for more than 30 years, for no other reason than to help patients. Most have not been paid for doing so. It is not difficult to imagine their upset and that also of the patients.

It is sad news that the selfless contribution of these volunteers is deemed to be not worth continuing.

Former prime minister David Cameron’s concept of the ‘Big Society’ hinged on the idea that voluntary services and charities would plug the gap where cuts in welfare support came into effect.

But in this case, it seems that generating great profits for a cash-strapped NHS may have come into play. The exact reasons for the decision are unclear as the trust has not answered our questions.

It is clear the NHS is at a critical point in terms of its future, especially with the much-anticipated Sustainability and Transformation Plan due soon. The future of the RHCH will be in the spotlight. Many people will hope that the ending of the RVS service is not a portent for the future.

http://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/news/15504575.Charity_told_to_leave_hospital/