Volunteer Marion Lee of the Friends at Broomfield experiencing the Northern Lights courtesy of the new VR headset which has been donated by the Friends to the Broomfield Anaesthetic Department. Awaiting their turn are Chairperson Alison Douglas and volunteer Alison Bridge.

The headset which cost £2,445 was presented to Alon Kramer from the Anaesthetics Team who explained how it is used … it acts as a distraction, mainly to calm young patients or nervous adults, when they are undergoing procedures or about to receive an anaesthetic. It has been a big hit with both staff and patients alike, and has been a hugely beneficial piece of equipment for the department.

Anaesthetist, Dr. Alon Kramer said: “We are exceptionally grateful for the funding provided to us by the Friends at Broomfield.

Nine specialist breast feeding pumps have been funded via a donation of £12,600 from the wonderful Friends at Broomfield.

The specialist grade pumps will benefit mums and babies receiving care and support from the Cleft lip and palate team at Broomfield Hospital. Babies born with a cleft palate and/or lip, will often have trouble creating a vacuum with their mouth to breast feed directly from their mother, these pumps will mean that those babies can still have breast milk without the struggle. 

Laura O’Brien, Clinical Nurse Specialist said: “We are so grateful to the Friends for their support. The free loan service will mean that families do not need to purchase or pay to rent their own breast pump which is often costly. Mothers now have greater options to continue breast feeding their babies that would otherwise have needed to have been supplemented with formula milk”.

The nine pumps will be available for loan at no charge for as long as is needed by mothers and their babies.

One hundred and fifty pairs of supportive slippers have made their way to Broomfield’s Falls team for distribution to wards where patient falls are more prevalent. The ever-loyal and supportive Friends at Broomfield group has funded the latest supply of slippers.

Carrie Tyler, Falls Improvement Specialist Practitioner, said “The support of the Friends is appreciated by us all. These slippers will benefit many of our older patients by providing them with supportive footwear whilst on the ward and for their recovery at home, especially for those who do not have any family or friends to buy new ones for them.

“The patients we have provided the slippers for already have been delighted, enabling them to begin to mobilise.”