Friends thanked for donation

NHS staff gathered at Lichfield's new Samuel Johnson Community Hospital to say thank you to the Hammerwich League of Friends.

The group raised £40,000 for new equipment at the hospital, which opened earlier this year. Bosses at South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust bought equipment for the Erasmus Darwin Ward.

Two bays on the ward are named after late past presidents of the group, Cedric Daker and Ron Jones.

On Wednesday John Yates, a Lichfield resident and non-executive director of the PCT, joined ward nurses to formally thank the League of Friends.

The group was created in the 1950s to raise funds for patients at the former Hammerwich Hospital in Burntwood, which is now closed.

Their continued efforts included the supply of beds, chairs, a television and colposcopy equipment.

Funds have been raised at annual garden parties, Christmas fairs and raffles.

Members have also left legacies in their wills.

John Wright, treasurer of the group, said: "We are delighted that our substantial donation has led to the purchase of some very important hospital equipment for patients at the Samuel Johnson Community Hospital.

"Our fundraising efforts go back many years and it is heartening to see patients benefiting from the money we have collected."

Fiona Lee, hospital service lead, added: "South Staffordshire PCT is very grateful for the commitment the Hammerwich League of Friends has shown local patients for many years.

"The amount of money they donated to the hospital was very significant and the equipment we bought will support patients now and in the future."