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New piano for the faith centre!

New piano for the faith centre!

The chaplaincy were thrilled to take delivery of a brand new digital piano, thanks to a substantial grant from the Friends at Broomfield.

The piano arrived in time for the Carol Service in December, to accompany over 50 members of staff and patients carolling their hearts out together in the Faith Centre.

Rev Julia Sheffield, Lead Chaplain, said “Replacing a very tired instrument we inherited form the old St. John’s hospital chapel, this particular instrument was chosen for its authentic piano touch and sound and its transportability. We plan to use it to accompany and enhance special festival services and events around the hospital as well as in the Faith Centre, and we are very grateful to the Friends for their generous donation.”

“The Friends – Supporting your hospital, supporting you”

New Verifit Scanner donated by the Friends

New Verifit Scanner donated by the Friends

New Verifit Scanner donated by the Friends

Children needing checks for hearing problems are to have a better service in the community, thanks to a special new portable scanner being taken out on the road by staff from Broomfield Hospital’s paediatric audioolgy department.

The equipment, a Verirfit Scanner, has been funded by the Friends at Broomfield Hospital group and the former Chelmsford Deaf Club.

The new scanner means patients and their families will no longer have to come to the hospital, as staff can now see them out in the community.

Pictured to the left: Members of the Friends at Broomfield Hospital being shown the new scanner by Sharon Comben.

Sharon Comben, Audiology Manager at Broomfield Hospital said: “We can take the Verifit Scanner out into the community, to either clinics or schools where we can test between 15 and 20 children at a time. This is much faster for us and means patients no longer need to book an appointment at the hospital. We can also visit babies and children at their home, which is far more comforting for the children and their families.”

“As a result, our patients are being treated quicker and we are providing a much better family friendly experience for them.”

Members of th Friends at Broomfield Hospital, volunteers who raise funds for equipment and facilities to help patients, staff and visitors at the hospital, were invited to visit the audiology department and were very impressed with the difference the new scanner is making to youngsters and their families.

“The Friends – Supporting your hospital, supporting you”

The Friends at Broomfield support dementia care.

The Friends at Broomfield support dementia care.

The Friends at Broomfield support dementia care.

It is often the case that patients with dementia arrive at hospital with no toiletries.

To ensure our patients have the necessary items to maintain comfort and dignity, volunteers from the Friends at Broomfield have kindly provided over 75 toiletry bags, suitable for both males and females, for patients to use during their stay.

Clive Gibson, CNS for Older People, said “It is clear that a great deal of time, thought and effort has gone into preparing these toiletry bags. I have no doubt that they will significantly improve the experience for people with dementia and also provide greater dignity and comfort. On behalf of the team, I would like to thank the members of the Friends for generously funding these bags, we are delighted with them!”

Pictured above: Clive Gibson offers a personal thanks to the Friends for their donation

FAB volunteers see how their donations make a difference!

FAB volunteers see how their donations make a difference!

FAB volunteers see how their donations make a difference!

Volunteers from the Friends at Broomfield recently had the opportunity to see how their latest significant donation is improving patient care by testing the new Videofluoroscopy chair, purchased by the Speech and Language team.

The specialist chair is used when a patient has difficulty swallowing and requires an x-ray to accurately diagnose the problem. The team can then start the correct therapy to make swallowing easier and safer. This test is useful for a wide range of patients, including those who have had a stroke or following surgery, and means many patients won’t need to be nil-by-mouth for extended periods of time.

Karen Blackmore, Speech & Language Therapist, explained the benefits of the new chair, saying: “Good nutrition is essential to aid in the recovery of patients as well as to maintain independence and dignity, so it is important that patients with difficulty swallowing are treated quickly and appropriately. The new videofluoroscopy chair is portable and adjustable, which makes it easy for the staff to transport patients and accurately position them before the x-ray. As I’m sure the Friends will agree, it’s also extremely comfortable which is far better for our patients as the test can take up to half an hour. We’d all like to thank the Friends for making it possible for us to purchase this chair, and greatly improve the service we can offer our patients.”

Pictured above: Volunteers from the Friends at Broomfield are shown the new chair by the Speech and Language team while Yvonne Carter, Charities Support Officer, tests it for comfort

“The Friends – Supporting your hospital, supporting you”

New ECG Machine Donated to the Lister Ward

New ECG Machine Donated to the Lister Ward

New ECG Machine Donated to the Lister Ward

A new ECG machine which will help speed up the diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions has been handed over to Broomfield Hospital’s Lister Ward by the Friends at Broomfield Hospital.

Members of the Friends, who raise funds for equipment and facilities for patients and staff at the hospital, are pictured at the presentation on the ward with hospital staff and Nick Alston, who chairs the hospital trust’s Charities Foundation.

Gemma Hughes, Lister Ward sister said: “Previously, we always had to borrow an ECG machine from other wards, which was time consuming and delayed treatment for patients.”

“Having one here on the ward makes it so much easier for us. We use it every day and we are extremely grateful to the Friends at Broomfield for helping us improve the treatment we can give to our patients.”

Nick Alston also thanked the members for their ongoing support, saying: “The generosity and support of the Friends has greatly enhanced patient care across the hospital over the years and I am extremely pleased to be able to thank all the members for another significant contribution, which I know will make a huge difference to our staff and patients.”

“The Friends – Supporting your hospital, supporting you”