new equipment and furnishings worth more than �25,000 have been put in place to help patients at Lowestoft Hospital. A new ECG machine, retinal screening camera, television sets for two wards, armchairs and 36 new chairs to use in the blood testing department have all been supplied.

new equipment and furnishings worth more than �25,000 have been put in place to help patients at Lowestoft Hospital.

A new ECG machine, retinal screening camera, television sets for two wards, armchairs and 36 new chairs to use in the blood testing department have all been supplied. The equipment, to be officially unveiled in the New Year, has been bought following a donation by the Lowestoft Hospital League of Friends, a group that dedicates its time and efforts to supporting the hospital.

As well as raising money through the annual Lowestoft Carnival, the Friends receive support from Lowestoft Hospital Ladies Darts League, which gives about �10,000 each year.

Pat Rayner, who chairs the Friends, said: 'The retinal screening camera will be used to check the eyesight of people with diabetes and can help detect problems early and ensure patients get the treatment they need. We hope that having this equipment on site permanently will allow many more people to be screened, which is especially important as the number of people with the illness begins to rise.

'We are extremely grateful to everyone who has supported us during the past few years. In particular, we'd like to extend our thanks to the Lowestoft Hospital Ladies Darts League, who are so enthusiastic in their efforts to help us provide extra equipment for the benefit of local patients.'

Fran O'Driscoll, core clinical services divisional manager with the James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which oversees Lowestoft Hospital, said: 'These fantastic donations will be a huge benefit to the patients using the hospital both now and in the future.

'We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone involved with the Friends for their continued support and generosity, which has made an enormous difference to the experiences of many of our patients over the years.'

Carol services will be held at the hospital at 7pm tonight and at 11am on Christmas Day, Lowestoft mayor Malcolm Cherry and carnival queen Jade Searby will give out presents to children who are spending Christmas in hospital.