NHS charity receives 'largest ever' £2m donation

The trust's chief executive, Martin Hodgson, said the donation would "change lives"

A charity which supports patients and staff at the NHS said it has received its largest ever donation of £2m.

ELHT and Me, the charity which raises money for East Lancashire Hospitals Trust, was given the donation by The Kay Family Foundation.

The foundation said it was "proud to invest in the health and wellbeing of our local community".

The trust said the money would be used for items including neonatal incubators, mobile x-ray machines and a scalp cooler, which is used by patients receiving chemotherapy to help reduce hair loss.

The trust's chief executive, Martin Hodgson, said the "remarkable and incredibly generous donation will literally change lives".

He said: "From patients in pre-surgery to premature babies being cared for in NICU and those living with cancer who rely on community team support, this once-in-a-lifetime donation will make a huge difference.

"We truly are extremely grateful."

The trust covers hospitals including the Royal Blackburn Hospital

The donation will fund an extensive range of equipment across the trust's five hospitals and community teams.

These include:

• Visual field machines which are crucial for diagnosis of eye diseases.

• Thirteen advanced neonatal incubators

• Mobile x-ray machines to help provide a faster diagnosis for bed-based patients

• A scalp cooler, used for patients receiving chemotherapy treatment to help reduce hair loss

• 18 community bladder scanners to enable district nurses to scan patients reducing the need for a hospital visit

The foundation supports charities to improve people's health and wellbeing, and promotes community activities and conservation across East Lancashire.

Their spokesperson said: "We know the difference East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust makes to people's lives, having experienced first-hand care and treatment at the hospital.

"Our hope is that this donation will touch the lives of thousands of patients, ensuring they receive the best technology and the most comforting environment possible.

"We are proud to invest in the health and wellbeing of our local community through a significant donation towards the latest equipment."