THE Friends of Lowestoft Hospital have been given clearance by the Charity Commission to provide help with the purchase of medical equipment.
News of the move was given at the group’s annual general meeting by chairman Pat Rayner. The hospital, in Tennysone Road, has received a blood fridge, costing £4,500, which will speed up the ability of nursing staff to give transfusions – without having to wait for a delivery of blood. Nurses from the hospital had also requested the provision of two electric rise and recliner chairs to assist the less nimble patients and the Friends have been able to provide these as well as duvets, duvet covers and bedspreads. The meeting, attended by the Friends trustees and representatives of the groups who raise funds for the hospital, re-elected Mrs Rayner as chairman for the coming year with Jill Eaton as secretary, and David Hatton, treasurer. Special thanks were given for the £8,000 raised by fundraising activity at carnivals and praise was also given to the women who run the twice weekly hospital trolley service and the nursing staff. A quiet moment of reflection was held to mark the death of Maureen Cooke who had been a regular trolley lady and committee member. An appeal for more help and support for fundraising activities had brought a limited response and more people were still needed to help at events and particularly to help as stewards for the Lowestoft Carnival parade. Plans for other fundraising events during the year include the Schools Swing event on June 10 and 11, at the Marina Theatre, and a week of events including a children’s fun-day on Thursday, August 6, on Royal Green. As the climax to the carnival festivities, the procession will take place on Sunday, August 9, with Dance being this year’s optional theme. Anyone wishing to find out more or to offer help with carnival events can call 01502 563847. Alternatively visit www.onesuffolk.co.uk/LowestoftCarnival