WESTBURY’S League of Friends have presented the fruits of their most recent fundraising efforts in the form of a cheque for the White Horse Health Centre.
The cheque for £900 will allow the health centre to buy a INR machine, which will enable patients taking anticoagulant drugs to have an almost instant blood test result.
The machine will test how quickly patients’ blood clots and having a machine on-site means patients can be updated immediately and not have to wait for results from the RUH in Bath.
During the test, a sample of blood is added to a chemical that starts a chain of reactions that should make the sample clot. The machine tests the time it takes for the blood to produce enzymes in the clotting process. This time then allows drug doses to be adjusted accordingly.
Speaking on behalf of the League of Friends (LOF) Erica Watson said, “We were delighted to present a cheque to the White Horse Health Centre last week, for the purchase of an INR machine, which will enable patients taking anticoagulant drugs to have an almost instant result and commence adjusted doses immediately, instead of waiting for the results from the RUH.
“Practice manager Mark Dickson ran in the Lions 10K run last October on behalf of the LOF, and his sponsorship money helped towards the cost of the machine.
“Money donated by the community helped to make up the total of £900 needed to buy the equipment. Mark told us he was delighted to accept the cheque and that the new equipment will enable the surgery to provide an improved and speedier service for patients taking anti-coagulant drugs.
“The LOF committee meet bi-monthly at the United Reform Church to discuss ideas for future fund raising and requests for donations.
“Our secretary, Jill Sweetman, has decided to step down after many years of supporting the League with her excellent secretarial skills. We are very lucky that Jill plans to remain on the committee but we are now looking for a secretary to support our charitable work.
“The LOF look forward to another year of successful fundraising and hope to see you at their annual quiz and bingo – dates will be announced at a later date.”
Anyone interested in hearing more about the secretarial role can contact Jill on 01373 864964 to find out more about what the role entails.
