Reports by Helen Clarke

THE Alexandra Hospital's League of Friends have announced their new appeal for this year - to buy a mobile x-ray set.

The Friends have set themselves the challenge of raising the cash for the life-saving equipment, which will cost £25,000.

The x-ray department needs the specialist equipment for people who are so ill they cannot move, particularly in the A&E department, coronary care and intensive care units.

It will be moved by the medical team to care for patients who are acutely ill or suffering from severe trauma.

It is also much-needed in the Special Care Baby Unit, particularly with premature babies, because it produces less radiation but still takes excellent x-ray pictures.

Cash from the hospital's summer fete and raffle which will be held on July 5, has already been pledged to the appeal.

Friends' spokesman Colin Kershaw said: "It is hoped residents, organisations and companies within the Alexandra Hospital catchment area will help raise money for this valuable, potentially lifesaving and life-enhancing piece of equipment, as they have done in the past.

"This will make the whole process much less scary, not just for the infants themselves but also for their parents and will be better for people who are unable to be moved through illness.

"This appeal is over and above the several other projects for which cash will be raised in normal day to day efforts."

Anyone who would like to donate to the Friends' fundraising efforts can call the office on 512009.