Farewell to our Chairman

In June 2008 Lord Vestey steps down as Chairman of the Board of Directors of St John Eye Hospital, Jerusalem having served for 6 years. He was appointed Lord Prior of The Order of St John in 1990 and during his 12-year tenure of office, developed a special interest in Hospital affairs. On taking up appointment as Board Chairman, he took a personal interest in fund raising, calling on his many contacts to generate support from new donors and additional support from those already giving.

As head of a large international company, Lord Vestey undertakes a vast amount of travel and has taken every opportunity on such visits to encourage donations for the Hospital from the various Priories and Associations of St John and high profile donors from the Middle East. He has also headed the approach to charitable Trusts both from the United Kingdom and those registered overseas.

Having opened the Gaza Clinic in 1992, the first of the Hospital’s satellite clinics, Lord Vestey has shown a keen interest in this centre. Dr. Jom’a, Chief Surgeon at the Clinic, faces, on a daily basis, major challenges to ensure services are maintained. He has received much encouragement from Lord Vestey who keeps in touch on a regular basis.

Throughout the many years of his involvement with the Hospital, Lord Vestey has shown a particular interest in training. He has given personal support to the Sir Stephen Miller School of Nursing, the only institution of its kind in the region. He also encouraged the expansion of the medical training programme, particularly the joint programme with the Hadassah Medical Center.

On an annual basis, Lord Vestey hosts a Reception for those who have served in a voluntary or salaried position in Jerusalem and past and prospective donors. The Grand Prior, HRH The Duke of Gloucester has graciously attended each year to support the evening. At the invitation of the incoming Chairman of the Board, Mr John Talbot, Lord Vestey will continue to host this event which will be styled “The Patron’s Reception”

Lord Vestey led last year’s celebrations to mark the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Hospital. During the year he travelled extensively with the marble icon produced to mark this special year. The international profile of the Hospital was much enhanced. A very successful visit was paid to Hong Kong with the Grand Prior and the CEO of the Hospital, Mr Rod Bull. This was the first approach to St John in Hong Kong and resulted in an extremely generous cheque raised through various special events.

The finale of the anniversary year took place at St John’s Gate, Clerkenwell in March 2008. Lord Vestey welcomed Her Majesty The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh to a Reception for nearly 200 guests including friends of the Hospital from the United States, Canada and Europe. The Grand Prior and HRH The Duchess of Gloucester were also present.

Although stepping down as Chairman of the Board at the end of his six year tenure of office, Lord Vestey will remain deeply involved in the welfare of St John Eye Hospital in his role as Patron. He recorded his particular pleasure at the appointment of Mr John Talbot who succeeds him on June 24th 2008.

The Hospital is indeed in debt to such a generous guardian who has guided the Hospital so well for many years.