THE League of Friends of Bridgwater Hospital and Community recently presented the hospital with an array of state-of-the-art equipment worth more than £25,000.

The new items were requested by staff to help them make their jobs better, safer and more efficient.

This would also be of benefit to Bridgwater residents as it would save many travelling to Musgrove for treatment.

The league president Judith Allen was joined by chairman Mary Porter, vice chairman Audrey Washer and treasurer visited the hospital to hand over the equipment to the pleased hospital staff.

First was the Out-Patients Department who received a Diathermy machine - otherwise known as a 'Bee Sting' - which is used to treat cancer, and cost £8,805.

Next the team headed upstairs to the Waverley Wards to present a Digital Reminiscence Computer to help benefit Alzheimer's patients worth a further £12,290, as well as Fall Alarms totalling £3,945.

Again in Waverley, the new ward trolley was unveiled - which is actually a former medicine trolley that has been recycled and upgraded with the help of the matron Norma Coombes.

The final equipment donation was a Vital Signs monitor worth £700 for the Ambulatory Care department.

The next stop was outside where the league has purchased a new bench in memory of former president Clifford Searle. His widow said 'Clifford would have been so proud to know that we had given this seat to remember him'.

Chairman Mary Porter said: "Now that the presentations are over, the League of Friends has set its sights on raising £13,000 to purchase a new bariatric bed and mattress.

"Our first fundraiser for this is a Race Night which anyone is welcome to attend, and there will be a Summer Fayre and Table Top Sale later in the year."

The Race Night will take place in the Masonic Hall on Mount Street at 7pm on Friday, May 19. Tickets cost £2.50, and for more information contact Audrey Washer on 01278 321079.