The Samaritan Fund

The biblical story of The Good Samaritan describes a man from Samaria helping a man who has been beaten and is destitute by treating his wounds and giving him money to pay for shelter.

The Samaritan Fund at Guy’s and St Thomas’ echoes this parable today through its mission to provide relief for patients and former patients in need of financial assistance, by providing grants, equipment, services or facilities.

The Fund contributes towards the costs of convalescent care for those who are well enough to leave hospital but need additional help. It also provides emergency funds for patients who are waiting for their applications to receive state benefits to be processed. People who are deemed very poor by the Social Services and Hospital Discharge Department may also be eligible for grants to buy clothes, nappies or an item of equipment – such as a high back chair for people who have to sit for long periods because of failing mobility.

The roots of the fund can be traced back to the 19th century, when a Samaritan Fund was established for patients of St Thomas’. The Guy’s Samaritan Fund was established in 1898 and the two Funds were merged to become a Special Purpose Fund under the auspices of Guys’ and St Thomas’ Charity in 2004.

Mia Hilborn, Head of Spiritual Care at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and a fundholder said: “It’s an enormously valuable fund, helping people with little extras when they come into hospital unexpectedly, helping patients at extremely difficult times of their lives, and assisting patients who have no one to care for them at home with convalescence care.”

To make a donation or find out how your legacy could help, please use the secure donation form, or contact the Fundraising Team on Tel: 020 7188 7744, e-mail: Fundraising Team.