WHEN chief executive of NHS Charities Together Ellie Orton OBE walked through the doors of Salisbury District Hospital last week, she wasn’t there for a boardroom briefing or a ceremonial handshake.

She had come to see something far more powerful: the real-world impact of charity-funded care on patients and families.

Her visit to the hospital, hosted by the Stars Appeal, took her from the quiet intensity of the Neonatal Unit’ where specialist equipment and parents’ accommodation are funded by donations, to the David A Brown Breast Unit and the brightly coloured Sarum Children’s Ward.

Ellie with Mack, Jack and Bethany Mitchell.

There, she met two-year-old Mack and his parents, Jack and Bethany Mitchell, putting faces to the stories behind the funding.

In the hospital’s Simulation Suite, supported by the Stars Appeal, Ellie watched a live training demonstration showing how staff rehearse life-saving scenarios.

She also met the chaplaincy team, whose roles are funded by the charity, and learned how a dedicated Staff Counsellor is supporting NHS workers under pressure.

Ellie meets Stars Appeal funded chaplains Steve Hawkes and Sharon Boyle.

A moment spent with a patient enjoying the companionship of a Stars Appeal Engager – part of a programme tackling loneliness in hospital – underscored the breadth of the charity’s reach.

Visiting the Stars Appeal Engagers project.

Music from the Stars Appeal Live Project provided a fitting soundtrack.

The visit brought together clinical ambassadors including consultant surgeon Graham Branagan, cancer consultant Dr Tracey Parker and paediatric consultant Dr Rowena Staples, as well as patient ambassadors Richard Joy and Adrian Abbott.

Together, they highlighted how charitable funding is enhancing care for patients, families and staff alike.

“It’s clear that the Stars Appeal is such a vital part of Salisbury District Hospital and the wider community,” said Ellie.

“It was so special to meet the patients, staff, ambassadors, and volunteers who bring this work to life.

“There is such a powerful sense of ownership and gratitude within the Stars Appeal community, and that collective commitment shines through in every project I visited.”

Mr Branagan added: “It was a pleasure to welcome Ellie to the hospital and to show her first-hand how donors are making such a big difference to patients, families and staff.”