League will not commit major funds until NHS future is clear

"However, there has been plenty of financial activity in the meantime," treasurer Robin Barnett told Wednesday's meeting.

Income had almost exactly equalled expenditure, he told members.

"Of the expenditure, 436,318 was spent on improvements and amenities for patients and staff at Bexhill Hospital and contributions towards the cost of equipment at Bexhill and other hospitals used by the people of Bexhill'¦

"Once again, the generosity of local people has provided the bulk of our income, mainly through legacies, which amounted to 291,048, almost identical to the amount received the previous year."

There were many organisations which donated but which it was not possible to list by name but the treasurer said: "I wish publicly to thank those who donate on an annual basis; these include local churches and clubs."

League activities generated 21,998. This was relatively small but the goodwill and publicity generated far exceeded the financial benefits.

The shop remained the highest in this category and gratitude should be extended to volunteers who worked there throughout the year.

The league invested its reserves in risk-free accounts and the interest had continued to rise - 116,702 in the last year compared with 89,217 in 2006.

"The committee provides services on a voluntary basis, and the necessary expenses incurred remain low at 4,000.

"In conclusion, I will repeat what I said at the end of my report last year.

"The question has to be asked 'Why are we not spending more of the 2m we possess when most of it has been given to support Bexhill Hospital?'"

The treasurer referred members to the league's annual report in which it had made clear its intention not to commit major funds until the outcome of decisions on the future pattern of the NHS locally.

Referring to an address on the future of the Irvine Unit about to be given by Alice Webster, head of adult services for Hastings and Rother NHS Trust, he said: "I am not alone in hoping that our guest speaker will today give us a glimpse of her vision for the future and consider how best the league may be asked to assist."

Chairman Stuart Earl told a member who proposed a freeze on spending that the committee would consider his suggestion with care.