MEMBERS of Westbury’s Ethendune Lodge recently met with the Salisbury Hospital Star Appeal team to present them with a cheque for £400. 
Mike Storey reports, “The members were bowled over by the welcome they were given. Toddy Westropp, who is the charity chairwoman, initially greeted the members and then introduced David Cates, the Director of fundraising, and Gemma Heath, who is David Cates assistant. David explained the purpose and aims of the charity and these are to provide facilities and equipment that are of benefit to the community, but are not provided by the NHS.
“In quick succession we were introduced to Dr Jason Klein who is the A&E Consultant and Miss Helen Chave consultant surgeon and chairwoman of the scanner appeal. David went on to explain that the day as a special day, the fund has reached a significant milestone £250,000 with only another £400,000 to go.
“Now I need to say a few words about the scanner appeal, you will notice that Bro Roger Hawker is sporting a neck brace. It was during the investigation of this (which turned out to be a broken neck) that the overstretch of the existing scanner came to light. The appeal is to purchase a second scanner as this will greatly expand the facilities, waiting times would reduce, and more in depth studies would be possible without extending the waiting times.
“Gemma suggested that we might like to see a completed project. The project involves the provision of accommodation for the parents of very sick babies. This reduces the pressure on the families and the mothers can spend more time with the baby.
“We were taken down to a unit that previously housed the baby intensive care unit, this old unit catered for four babies. The NHS funded the refurbishment of the building next door, which in the new unit and can now cater for six babies. The charity funded the conversion of the old building to provide four en suite double bedded rooms (as good as any hotel), a basic kitchen, dining room which doubles as a training room, a lounge, and children’s play room.
“The unit has been in operation for 10 months. The average length of stay is three months, with the longest being seven months. The units are designed to cater for the entire family and there is no charge for the use. We were very impressed.
“We congratulate the charity on its achievements, they are really making a difference and we are pleased that we have been able to give some support.”
