The Friends of Johnson Community Hospital are delighted to announce the long-awaited return of our not-for-profit Trolley Shop, now reinstated to bring comfort and convenience to patients once again. Offering a carefully selected range of useful items – including toiletries, snacks and a sweet treat. The Trolley Shop is already proving to be a valued part of the hospital experience.
This wonderful initiative has been made possible thanks to the most generous donation from Trevor Dennis, in loving memory of his late wife, Maureen Dennis. Maureen was a devoted nurse whose journey in the profession began in 1948, when, at just 16 years old, she left her parents and seven siblings behind to pursue nursing 150 miles from her home village of Moulton Chapel.
A true pioneer of her time, Maureen’s career would eventually bring her to work at the old Johnson Hospital on Priory Road. Her training was rigorous and deeply academic, as seen in her original nursing notebook now proudly on display in the hospital foyer. The notebook, written in her immaculate handwriting, offers a fascinating glimpse into the medical understanding and techniques of the era. One striking entry on adrenaline reads: “we’re not sure what it does,” reflecting the limited knowledge at the time and the immense progress made since.
The current Trolley Shop is managed by four wonderful volunteers from the Pinchbeck WI: Philomena McNeill, Marion Philpott, Tracey Wells, and Dorothy Wood. More than just a shop, their weekly trolley visits offer a friendly face and a warm conversation – something that makes a real difference to patients during their stay.
The Friends are immensely grateful to Trevor Dennis for his heartfelt donation and to our dedicated volunteers who are helping to bring comfort, conversation, and kindness to the hospital corridors.
The Friends are looking to recruit more volunteers to help with the Trolley Shop. Current volunteers say it’s a rewarding and a feel-good experience, especially as many patients have no visitors and really value the friendly chat and a magazine to read. Patients look forward to the trolley round, and with more volunteers, we could run it more frequently – perhaps at weekends or in the evenings when the café is closed. No qualifications are needed – just a smile and a listening ear. If you have an interest in becoming a volunteer, please email info@friendsofjohnsonhospital.co.uk
In the featured pic, we have from left to right: Dorothy Wood (Pinchbeck WI), Alison Howling (Friends’ Treasurer), Jacqui Woods (daughter of Trevor & Maureen Dennis), Marion Philpott (PInchbeck WI), Tracey Wells (Pinchbeck WI), Philomena McNeill (Pinchbeck WI), Sarah Cook (Advanced Clinical Practitioner and Siji Joseph (Staff Nurse).
In the pic in the text, we have Trevor Dennis. Trevor is sitting in front of the display cabinet which holds Maureen Dennis’ first notebook.