THE POPULAR coffee shop at Bromsgrove’s Princess of Wales Community Hospital could close its doors for good after being placed on a list of under threat sites.
The Standard has been contacted by David Stewart whose wife Kathryn has volunteered for the WRVS (Women’s Royal Voluntary Service) – which runs the eatery – for the past 34 years.
He said she was told this week her time was no longer needed and that the only permanent worker would be made redundant.
Mr Stewart said: “I know there was reduced footfall during the pandemic but it seemed to have picked up again.
“And it is not just patients this decision is going to impact on as a lot of the staff at the hospital also use it.
“Because the WRVS does not have another facility locally, my wife will no longer be able to volunteer with the organisation.
“And I think in the run up to the King’s coronation when there is going to be a added focus on volunteering, this decision is deplorable.”
The Standard contacted the RVS.
Chris Gray, head of retail operations for Royal Voluntary Service, said: “We have been pleased to see trading return to many of our cafes and shops which are predominately based in hospitals, following the pandemic.
“There are however some sites where there is reduced footfall and customer spend, including our Princess of Wales Community Hospital cafe.
“We’re therefore in discussion with our staff and the Trust about the likely closure, but no decisions have been made yet.
“We will be keeping our staff and volunteers updated.”
