PATIENTS at Basildon's Cardiothoracic Centre (CTC) are benefitting from a new machine funded by the League of Friends for Basildon Hospital.

The device, known as a video laryngoscope system which shows clear video of patients' airways, is now in use thanks to the generous donation of £13,563 made

Gyanesh Namjoshi, CTC anaesthesia clinical lead, said: "With this new portable device, we can now view patients' complex airways at any time, and in any place, helping improve the patient experience and their care.

"This machine has already reduced complications and cancellations for patients who have airways which would have previously proved difficult to access, so this funding from the League of Friends is gratefully received."

League of Friends for Basildon Hospital was formed more than 50 years ago and through its tea-bar at Basildon Hospital, which is run by their dedicated volunteers, has raised an impressive £1.6 million. All of that money has been ploughed back into equipment to help patients at the hospital.

League of Friends chairman Alan Ursell said: "We are so pleased that we have been able to support the CTC department with the funding for this new device. The demonstration given by the team on the ward gave us all an insight into how much the equipment will benefit patients."