THE chairman of the League of Friends of Bridgnorth Hospital has praised the tremendous support of local people in the success of a £100,000 appeal to upgrade and modernise the operating theatre.
John Hurst-Knight said this week that he “never ceased to be amazed” by the generosity of donors. The new equipment will make a major difference to patients and to their families.
“The appeal is going very well and I can confirm that we have given a pledge regarding the money to the Primary Care Trust,” he said. “The response has surprised all our members – it never ceases to amaze me how people here respond.
“For example, Northgate Swimming Club raised money by going on the Bridgnorth Sponsored Walk and we get people celebrating a special birthday who receive donations for the league instead of presents.
“Young and old people are responding and that is excellent – it is a hospital for the community, not only Bridgnorth, but we also get patients coming from places like Cleobury Mortimer, Much Wenlock and Albrighton.
“It all comes at a time when there is a 15 per cent cut in NHS funding. Because of that problem we anticipate a lot of demands on League of Friends services.”
The modernisation of the operating theatre with state-of- the-art equipment will mean fewer patients have to travel to other hospitals for treatment. The up-to-date equipment will, for example, be used for keyhole surgery.
“The NHS always supplies the basic equipment, but the League of Friends is able to put some butter on the bread, so to speak,” said Councillor Hurst-Knight.
He said a very successful event had been held at the hospital on Saturday to thank the volunteers who help with the smooth running of local services.
“There were people there who help with the coffee shop, teas and with the trolley service besides others and it was jam-packed,” he said.
He said the event had helped to raise funds and included a raffle with prizes.
lThe League has held its February ‘100 Club’ draw in aid of funds, with the top prize of £30 going to ticket holder number 166. Second was number 63 winning £15, while number 137 wins £5.
