South Molton Community Hospital is celebrating two major donations that are helping to enhance patient care on the Hugh Squier Ward.

The hospital’s League of Friends (LoF) has provided £120,000 to create four new wet rooms at the bedded ward.

It has also managed to secure £7,778 from NFU Mutual for equipment that will enable staff to safely lift patients in the event of a fall.

Both donations were celebrated at the hospital at special events attended by staff, patients, League of Friends members, Mayor of South Molton Paul Henderson and North Devon MP Ian Roome.

Sarah Hulland, Clinical Nurse Manager, said the donations were already making a significant difference to patients and staff.

“Previously, we had two bathrooms located away from the patient bays and side rooms. This layout made it difficult to maintain dignity and created challenges in safely assisting patients to and from the facilities,” said Sarah.

“The new facilities offer enough space to accommodate manual handling equipment and enable patients to mobilise with ease.

“The main improvement is that staff are now able to better support and promote patient independence, allowing patients to make meaningful progress in their rehabilitation and help them prepare for returning home.

“Our patients love the new wet rooms and we have received a great deal of positive feedback.”

Meanwhile, a new Hoverjack Patient Air lift, mattress and air supply equipment is also making a difference after the LoF was chosen as recipients of this year’s NFU Mutual Agency Giving Fund.

The new equipment uses an inflating mattress to safely lift patients with significant injuries, or who are unable to stand or support themselves in the event of a fall on the ward.

“Patients would often need to remain on the floor awaiting an ambulance but the HoverJack allows us to lift them safely while they remain in a flat, lying position – crucial for any patient with a suspected injury,” said Sarah.

“It supports a dignified and comfortable transfer and can also be used for palliative patients, ensuring smooth and gentle movement for those who may be more fragile or sensitive.

“In addition, the HoverJack enables the safe handling of bariatric patients, improving safety for both service users and staff.”

Although the HoverJack will mainly be used on Hugh Squier Ward, Sarah said the equipment would also to be available to local community teams as needed, supporting patient safety across the wider area.

“As a team, we would like to express our sincere thanks to South Molton League of Friends and NFU Mutual for their wonderful donations, which are already helping to enhance the services we provide to our patients,” added Sarah.

LoF treasurer Caroline Burrows said the LoF had donated more than £650,000 to the hospital since 2022, including £500,000 for the new eye care unit.

“We receive several funding requests throughout the year for equipment at the hospital, as well as for community nurses, out-patient physio and rehab and in-patient physio, she said.

“We are very grateful to the local community for continuing to support their local hospital and are proud to be able to make a difference to the care of the patients and the working environment of the staff beyond what’s possible with NHS funding.”

North Devon MP Ian Roome, who attended an event at the hospital to celebrate the work of the LoF, said: “Over the years, South Molton League of Friends has donated a lot of money raised by the people in the town and surrounding community and it was great to see and their latest project first-hand.

“A huge thank you to League members, NHS staff at the hospital and everyone who has donated, volunteered or supported their work, including Royal Devon Hospitals Charity.”

Kate Constable, Royal Devon Hospitals Community Fundraiser, said: “These generous donations are both brilliant examples of how the local community can help enhance patient care beyond what’s possible with NHS funding.

“This something the South Molton League of Friends has been doing incredibly well for many years and we can’t thank them enough for making such a difference to their local hospital.”

South Molton League of Friends members celebrate the completion of the new wet rooms on the Hugh Squier Ward with staff, North Devon MP Ian Roome, Mayor of South Molton Paul Henderson, and representatives from Royal Devon Hospitals Charity and contractors Arque. Picture: Royal Devon Hospitals Charity

Celebrating the completion of the new wet rooms at South Molton Community Hospital. Picture: Royal Devon Hospitals Charity

Celebrating the completion of the new wet rooms at South Molton Community Hospital. Picture: Royal Devon Hospitals Charity

Emily Mills, NFU Senior Agent, presents the NFU Mutual Agency Giving Fund cheque to South Molton League of Friends members with hospital staff and representatives from Royal Devon Hospitals Charity. Picture: Royal Devon Hospitals Charity.

Staff demonstrate the difference the new Hoverjack Patient Air lift will make at South Molton Community Hospital. Picture: Royal Devon Hospitals Charity