Raising funds to provide extra amenities, equipment and services for the patients and staff of the Eastbourne DGH. The Friends of the Eastbourne Hospitals was established in 1948 and has around 1,200 members. As well as raising funds to provide extra amenities for the patients and staff at the Eastbourne DGH it also supports initiatives in the community. The Friends encourages voluntary work within the DGH and provides a link between the hospital and the community. Funds are raised through membership fees, donations and legacies, as well as annual fundraising events, such as the popular Open Gardens and the Art Exhibition. Funds are also raised through the Friends Shops - the Main Shop, the trolleys that go round the wards, the Corner Shop and the new Friends Radiotherapy Cafe and Macmillan Hub, which are manned by volunteers. The Charity is managed by a committee of trustees and affiliated to ATTEND (formerly the National Association of Hospital and Community Friends).