Legacy of Alfred Staden lives on at Northampton General Hospital

Alfred Staden, known as Fred, had a deep appreciation for the care he received at Northampton General Hospital and wanted to give something back. Over the years, he donated £560,000 to Northamptonshire Health Charity to support the urology department, including £240,000 left as a legacy after his passing in 2016.

Fred’s gifts have had a tangible and lasting impact on urology care at the hospital. His generosity helped fund:
The creation of the Alfred Staden Urology Centre, expanding the department with four treatment rooms, a new reception area, and updated facilities.

Specialist equipment such as a Mini Diode Laser to treat recurrent bladder tumours.
A high-tech tilting operating table used alongside the hospital’s surgical robot.
A specialised surgical air system for use during complex procedures.

Urology Clinical Nurse Specialist Sally Mora reflects on the difference these donations have made:

Before Fred’s gifts, our urology department was small and some of the rooms were quite tired. Thanks to his generosity, the department has been transformed. We now have a one-stop facility that brings care together for thousands of patients, greatly improving their experience.

Fred himself had experienced bladder cancer and was deeply grateful to his consultant, Mr Roger Kunkler, for treatments that extended and enhanced his life. Many of his donations were made during his lifetime so he could see the results, though he always intended to leave a legacy to continue supporting care after his passing.

His widow, Hope, later visited the hospital to see the difference her husband’s gifts had made, taking great comfort in how his generosity continues to benefit patients and staff.

Hope shared:

Fred wanted to give something back to the hospital. Seeing how his gifts have helped patients and staff over the years has been incredibly special for me.

We are deeply grateful for Fred’s generosity. Gifts like his help us enhance patient care and staff support, going above and beyond what the NHS can provide. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference. Fred’s story is a reminder that leaving a gift in your Will is a thoughtful and lasting way to support your local hospital. It is a way to continue making a difference for patients and staff, long after your lifetime.