Its profits were £4,569 down on the previous year. This was due to a drop in turnover with the introduction of coronavirus restrictions. As cancer patients were advised to shield, the coffee shop was closed prior to lockdown measures affecting other UK coffee shops, tea rooms and cafes.
Repairs to a lift linking the coffee shop, which is downstairs off the main entrance, to an upstairs chemotherapy day unit impacted on custom. In addition, having to write-off a lot of stock because of closure, which is still on-going, had a negative effect on profitability. All written-off stock was however donated to other charities and food banks.
Dan Hill, chief officer of Rosemere Cancer Foundation, said: “Despite profits being down, it was a fantastic and much needed donation by the committee, which works tirelessly to support us by providing a coffee shop that is stocked and staffed entirely by volunteers and which is loved equally by cancer centre staff, patients and the family members, friends and carers, who attend appointments with them.
“All its profits come to us and have done ever since it opened in 2002. If ever a service was missed, it is this one. Unfortunately, we don’t know yet when the Rosemere Coffee Shop can re-open as the most important thing is the safety of patients. The first step in working to keep them safe is to limit those they come into contact with to essential medical staff so the coffee shop has to remain closed for the foreseeable future.”
As well as selling refreshments, the coffee shop provides a free hot drink for all patients and those attending the cancer centre with them. Marion Jackson, who manages the coffee shop, said: “We all get to know our customers and so have been missing them.
“We are also well aware we’re a vital income stream for Rosemere Cancer Foundation. I am sure I speak for everyone involved in the coffee shop when I say we can’t wait to get back to work as soon as it’s deemed safe for patients.”
Rosemere Cancer Foundation works to bring world class cancer treatments and services to cancer patients from throughout Lancashire and South Cumbria being treated at Rosemere Cancer Centre, the region’s specialist cancer treatment and radiotherapy centre at the Royal Preston Hospital, and at another eight local hospital cancer units across the two counties.
The charity funds cutting edge equipment, research, training and other cancer services and therapies that the NHS is unable to afford. For further information on its work, including how to make a donation, visit www.rosemere.org.uk
