Almoner
Margaret Redway
Margaret Redway
The role of Almoner remains an active and important office in many of the Livery Companies of the City of London.
The historic word 'Almoner' started as a title given to a Chaplain or Church Officer who was distributing money to the deserving poor. There remain many Alms Houses in existence throughout the United Kingdom, many supported by Livery Companies. Within hospitals, the Almoner was originally responsible for determining the amount due for a patient's treatment, which later became a welfare role, providing support to patients, their families and all members of staff.
Today the role within the Worshipful Company of Nurses remains one of concern and compassion for the welfare of all members and their families in times of bereavement, illness, severe financial difficulties, other stressful circumstances and also to maintain contact with widows and widowers of former members.
This can be achieved by sending a card, a letter, email or contact by a telephone call, to provide a caring and confidential listening ear and to determine how best to provide assistance and support when sought. Further help can be accessed, with the members’ permission, from the Clerk and Honorary Chaplain. In times of celebration, it may be appropriate to send flowers or a card of congratulation.
Margaret trained at St. George’s Hospital, London. The larger part of her career was spent working with elderly people, most of whom had dementia. More latterly, she did research into dementia at King’s College, London. She has been an Almoner to the Worshipful Company of Horners since 2014.
The Almoners can be contacted through the Clerk by email clerk@companyofnurses.co.uk