Staff give thanks to Neath League of Friends

A group of tireless fundraisers have been invited to Neath Port Talbot Hospital so staff could thank them for their efforts.

During the last year, Neath League of Friends has paid for a variety of invaluable equipment for the Hospital. 

Pictured left: Group members from Neath League of Friends, including former Chairman Arthur Bowden – with Nathan Thomas and Michelle Macbeth and the new equipment.

Representatives of the group visited Neath Port Talbot Hospital where they were thanked for their support, which stretches back decades.

While they were there, they had the opportunity to learn about some of the kit which was bought for the hospital – and how it directly helps patients.

Group members had an insight into the gas analyser and ECG machine, which the hospital was fortunate to purchase thanks to their generous donations.

The gas analyser is used to check oxygen requirements for respiratory patients.

As it’s a portable device, patients who are too unwell to visit the hospital can have their oxygen levels checked in the comfort of their own home.

Pictured Left: Respiratory Physiotherapist Nathan Thomas with the portable device. He told group members that 80 patients have had their oxygen levels checked with the device in the last six weeks.

Before this, the respiratory team used a larger piece of equipment, which could not be moved from place to place.

Wear and tear on two ECG machines left the acute clinical team at Cimla Hospital with only one working machine to share between them.

The machines are critical in performing routine checks for patients, especially those who may be experiencing chest pain.

The money raised by Neath League of Friends allowed the team to purchase two machines at a value of £6,000 each.

Pictured left: Health Care Support Worker Michelle Macbeth showing Service Director Brian Owens the ECG machine.

Neath Port Talbot Hospital Service Director Brian Owens paid tribute to the ongoing work of the League of Friends, which was formed in 1963.

“I am only week eleven or twelve into my role as service director, but it’s fantastic to know we have fantastic support from the local area.

“We are so grateful for your ongoing support and commitment, which provides such a wonderful contribution to the patients, relatives, visitors and staff in Neath Port Talbot Hospital.”

Among the guests was Neath Hospitals League of Friends former chairman Arthur Bowden, who first got involved with the group in 1969.

Mr Bowden said: “We have raised over £2.5 million as a group since it first formed.

“We do it for three reasons – we want to help the hospital, the patients and because it’s lots of fun.”

The group has committees in Neath town centre, Skewen, Bryncoch, Glynneath, Cadoxton and Crynant which hold regular fundraising events.

Volunteers also have regular collections in Neath Port Talbot Hospital.

  A group of tireless fundraisers have been invited to Neath Port Talbot Hospital so staff could thank them