From high tech equipment, to brighter, smarter tea bars, donations of over £35,000 from the League of Friends during the past year have brought more benefits to patients at the Basildon and Thurrock Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
New equipment purchased, thanks to the unpaid efforts of League volunteers, includes a £30,000 portable scanner for gynaecology and a £4,400 electrocardiogram (ECG) machine.
The ultrasound scanner, which helps diagnose gynaecological conditions such as miscarriage, early pregnancy, polyps and cysts, is proving especially useful at outreach clinics held in the community. It folds down to the size of a laptop and its portability means patients can have an ultrasound there and then, which can speed up treatment.
Dale Ojutiku, Consultant Gynaecologist, said: “It is a much appreciated piece of kit which has made a big difference to the team. We are so grateful to the League of Friends for funding it.”
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The League of Friends has also helped the Trust to buy £600 worth of special feeding aids for vulnerable patients, and donated a further £600 for an entertainer in the Children’s Unit.
The voluntary organisation also spent over £31,000 to refurbish the two League of Friends tea bars.
Alan Whittle, Chief Executive of the Trust, said: “I am constantly amazed by the huge sums of money that our hospital volunteers raise through their selfless hard work. They make a tremendous difference to the care we give our patients.”
League of Friends treasurer Rita Keeler said: “Yet again our thanks must be extended to our group of loyal volunteers whose hard work enables us to donate money to the hospital.
The League of Friends is always keen to welcome new volunteers.
If you would like to find out more about volunteering with the League, contact Rita Keeler on 01268 793864 or [email protected]
