THE NEW
MASONIC SAMARITAN FUND
Registered Charity No. 1001298
The New Masonic Samaritan Fund
was established as recently as 1990 to provide financial support for sick and
needy Freemasons, their wives, children or dependants, and the widows, children
or dependants of deceased Freemasons. The Fund aims to provide financial
assistance to those who are unable to obtain treatment via the NHS without
undue delay, and who cannot afford private treatment without suffering
hardship.
Each application is assessed individually by the members of the Funds
Petitions Committee which meets on the fourth Thursday of every month.
Applicants do not need to be destitute in order to qualify for support but
confirmation of both a medical and financial need will be required.
Application forms and advice may be obtained via Lodge Almoners or direct from
the Funds Offices. The Fund requires Lodge Almoners (or Visiting Brothers
if appropriate) to assist in completing the Application Form and to verify
details provided. Quick and confidential advice is available from the Petitions
staff at NMSF before, during and after an application has been made.
The Fund will not provide support in emergency or life threatening cases where
the NHS is best placed to deal with an individual promptly and efficiently. The
Fund will not consider retrospective claims where treatment has already been
undertaken (or a commitment entered into) prior to approval by the Petitions
Committee.
Having agreed to support an Applicant, it is the needs and interests of the
patient that remain paramount. These will determine how and when relief is
granted. The Fund makes arrangements to pay hospitals and consultants direct.
Some Applicants may, depending on their individual circumstances, be required
to make a contribution to the cost of the treatment.
The New Masonic Samaritan Fund only entered fully into the Provincial Festival
System from 2002. However, the support of so many during its formative years
has enabled us to maintain the proud boast of never having refused an Applicant
through lack of available funds. The continuation of this support is vital if
the long term future of the Fund is to be assured.