Leeds Hospitals Charity names new grants director

Leeds Hospitals Charity has appointed Rebecca Baldaro-Booth as its new director of grants and impact, a senior role created to strengthen support for Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Europe’s largest teaching hospital.

The charity funds vital equipment, treatments and research at Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, where 22,000 staff care for over a million patients each year. 

It has donated more than £28 million over the past five years to improve patient care and support NHS staff across its eight hospitals.

Rebecca joined Leeds Hospitals Charity in 2018, progressing from development manager to head of grants in 2020. 

Her new role will oversee strategic grant-making to ensure lasting impact and expand the charity’s volunteer services to enhance patient experience.

Rebecca said: “It’s a real privilege to take on this important role. 

“Our grants support pioneering and life-enhancing innovations that have a direct and lasting impact on patient care. 

“I look forward to working closely with our partners to continue making a difference to patient lives and staff wellbeing.

“Leeds is at the forefront of so many extraordinary research projects that have the potential to transform outcomes for patients across Yorkshire and beyond. 

“We’re committed to funding new and ongoing studies offering hope to patients living with life-limiting conditions. 

“It’s also vital we continue to fund early career researchers in Leeds, unlocking career progression and spearheading life-changing, ground-breaking research.”

The charity plans to donate £3.5 million in 2025/26 towards projects tackling health inequalities, advancing health technology and developing treatments for rare diseases. 

Recent funded initiatives include surface-guided radiotherapy, virtual reality distraction tools for children, and Comfort Care Packs for families of end-of-life patients.

Grant applications, open to NHS staff, researchers and allied health professionals involved in patient care in Leeds, will be accepted in May, June, September and October.

Esther Wakeman, chief executive at Leeds Hospital Charity, added: “Rebecca’s appointment signals the charity’s continued investment in innovation and impact. 

“She brings expertise and energy to a role that is central to improving health outcomes and enhancing the patient experience across Leeds. 

“She will also help leverage additional investment through matched funding and philanthropic support, further strengthening our city’s position as a hub for world class healthcare and research.”

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