SPECIALIST equipment worth more than �30,000 has been unveiled at Lowestoft Hospital.Presentations took place last weekend as the new equipment was showcased as a result of the generosity of the hospital's Friends.

SPECIALIST equipment worth more than �30,000 has been unveiled at Lowestoft Hospital.

Presentations took place last weekend as the new equipment was showcased as a result of the generosity of the hospital's Friends.

Members of the Friends committee, the Lowestoft Hospital Ladies Darts League and representatives of other fundraising organisations were all shown some of the new equipment.

Pat Rayner, chairman of the Friends of Lowestoft Hospital, said: 'We are absolutely delighted to be able to donate this equipment, which includes a new retinal screening camera, ECG machine, television sets for two wards, heavy duty wheelchairs, armchairs, 36 new chairs for use in the phlebotomy department and a blood fridge.'

The equipment was purchased following a generous donation by the Friends who, as well as raising money through the annual Lowestoft Carnival, also receive support from the Lowestoft Hospital Ladies Darts League, who donate around �10,000 each year.

Demonstrating the retinal screening camera were diabetic retinal screeners Glynis Castleton and Alison Quantrill, who said that people with diabetes had their eyes tested every year.

They added: 'Now we have the new camera we will be carrying out eyesight tests at Lowestoft Hospital every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The high-quality images captured by the camera will then be transferred to a laptop computer and taken to the James Paget University Hospital (in Gorleston) for analysis and will tell us a lot about the health of the patient. 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.'

Lowestoft mayor Malcolm Cherry, who is a keen supporter of the Friends, praised the fundraising efforts of everyone concerned and said that

he expected to be one of the first to have his eyes tested by the new camera.

Thanking everyone involved with the Friends for their continued support and generosity, Fran O'Driscoll, core clinical services divisional manager with James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who oversees Lowestoft Hospital, said: 'These fantastic donations will be a huge benefit to the patients.'

The Friends' next fundraising event is the Lowestoft Country Music Festival, at Pontin's Holiday Centre in Pakefield on Sunday, February 21.

There will be music from 1-9pm. Admission is �10 for adults, and accompanied children are free.

Apart from the music featuring Nashville Sounds, Kevin Barry, Frank McCaffrey and Nathan Carter, there's an all-day bar and catering facilities, trade stalls, a raffle and a large free car park.

Tickets are available by calling 01986 873854, 07903 137059 or from Pontins, Pakefield, weekdays during office hours.