THE first phase of works to Launceston’s minor injuries unit has been completed, to the delight of the hospital’s League of Friends.

It was nearly two years ago the Post reported that the League had launched a fundraising campaign in order to make improvements at the hospital.

The first phase of work, completed in July, has been hailed as a ‘great improvement’ by the League.

The work has resulted in more space for the hospital staff to work in, and a new reception window for patients to go for minor injuries.

A second phase of work will follow, to provide an extra room for minor injuries.

Chairman of the League of Friends of Launceston Hospital, Pam Parnell, and League secretary, Enis Broad, updated the Post on the busy year so far for the group.

Ms Parnell said of the work completed this summer: “The staff are absolutely thrilled to bits and they have got more space to work in.”

She likened the change of space for the hospital staff as ‘coming out of a broom cupboard into a sun lounge’.

Mrs Broad, who said the change in space has also made working temperatures more pleasant for staff, added: “Now they have more space and light.

“They are very busy in that minor injuries unit.

“I think Launceston Hospital, compared to some within the county of Cornwall, is very busy. There are constantly people coming in.”

Nearly £14,000 has been spent so far on the minor injuries unit, with funds remaining to go towards the second phase of work.

Around £1,200 has gone towards providing furniture, crockery, a fan, table top fridge, TV and more for the hospital’s newly refurbished family room. There was help on hand with kind donations of throws, cushions and plants to make it a pleasant space for those with relatives or friends at the hospital, and the family room has a new floor and a fresh lick of paint.

Ms Parnell said the space is important for visitors. She recalled a recent experience: “A lady put her arms round me and kissed me, and said it was wonderful her husband [who was in hospital for three weeks] was being cared for so well.” Ms Parnell said she pointed the lady in the direction of the family room, should she wish to use it, adding: “That is why that family room is so important.

“If you need to discuss something with the doctors away from the patients, or need to speak to social workers, you can talk privately now.

“You can stay overnight but you are on-hand if needed.”

Despite a busy six months for the League, it has also continued its support of not just the town’s hospital, but also the community nurses, midwives and the medical centre.

Ms Parnell added: “We are raising all this money, doing all this work, but we still keep everything else up that we are asked for.”

One of the most recent achievements was providing a new examination couch for the town’s midwives, which will be used by pregnant women in Launceston and surrounding areas in the children’s centre. The height of the couch can be adjusted, preventing the midwives from straining their backs as well as making it easier for the women using the couch.

Ms Parnell added: “Despite all we have given and the equipment we have given, we have still supported the patients.” The League supplies toiletries for patients admitted to hospital without any, there are gifts for patients at Christmas and Easter, and newspapers to read. She added: “We still try to keep up what the League of Friends was actually about in the beginning, and support the patients.

“The League of Friends will continue to support the hospital, medical centre and all departments.

“We will continue to support the medical centre with their new plans for enlargement.”

The next fundraising event for the League of Friends will be a table top sale at Central Methodist Church, Launceston, from 10am to noon, on Saturday, November 5. Those interested in having a table can contact Enis Broad on 01566 773147.

Mrs Broad said the League is looking for new members. Members or supporters do not have to be on the committee and the cost is £10 a year or £100 for life membership. For more details call Val Hillman on 01566 772728.

For more information on the Launceston League of Friends, visit launcestonhospital-lof.org.uk