LONGSTANDING volunteers have re-opened the café in Ruthin Community Hospital after being closed for three years following COVID-19 and a renovation.

Ruthin Hospital League of Friends, the charity behind the tea bar in the hospital, have finally been able to open the doors to their new refreshment area.

The committee members and volunteers form a team of 36 who have worked together for years raising money for the community hospital.

The hospital underwent a £4million renovation where the League of Friends gave £50,000 to fund the new reception area, tea bar and relatives room.

Sylvia Hughes, a vice president of the Ruthin League of Friends, said: “It is lovely to open our tea bar again after three years of closure.

“I personally missed having the tea bar open during COVID as I love meeting new people and being out and about.

“I have been a part of the Ruthin League of Friends for over 56 years now so it really is a part of life coming here and being involved so closely with the hospital.

“The redevelopment of the hospital has been fantastic, it was a privilege to have been a part of it by funding the new tea bar, reception area and relatives room.”

Morfudd Jones, chair, and Nerys Roberts, secretary, expressed how thrilled they are to have the café open again after such a long time.

The tea bar is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am-12pm, and every Saturday and Sunday between 2pm-4pm.

There will soon be a 24-hour coffee and hot chocolate machine in the café so staff and families can grab a hot drink even if the café is closed.

Future projects by the League of Friends include a garden renovation to ensure staff have a space outside to take a break and a place for families to visit with patients.

If you would like to volunteer with the Ruthin Hospital League of Friends, please register your interest by emailing Morfudd Jones at morfuddmenna1@gmail.com.