28 April 2009
An unexpected donation of £14,500 has been given to the cardiology department at Epsom Hospital by a local charity.
The Epsom WRVS (Women's Royal Voluntary Service) donated the generous amount, which has already been used to purchase a state-of-the-art Electrocardiogram (ECG) machine and two new couches for patients. Some of the money was also spent on replacing the department's protective lead coats, which are used by staff while x-raying patients.
Consultant cardiologist Sola Odemuyiwa, said: "This very generous donation came as a complete surprise to us, but we will certainly put it to good use. Everyone in the team is incredibly grateful to the WRVS and we would like to take this opportunity to offer them our heartfelt thanks.
"This new equipment will be of great benefit to both the staff and patients in the cardiology department. We've already ordered everything, so now we just have to wait for it to arrive!
"The new ECG machine will allow us to build on the service that we can give our patients. Because it has got some extra software, the ECG will help with the early diagnosis of patients with serious heart disturbances, such as palpitations – and that's fantastic news.
"The two new couches will be put to good use too. One will be used in the exercise test room for recovery and rehabilitation of patients and the other will be used in the pacing clinic where patients with pacemakers are examined.
"The lead coats will be a great help too because they are even lighter than the ones we have now, which will make life easier for staff x-raying our patients. It's great news all round."
Heather Joyce, the manager of the WRVS shop based at Epsom Hospital said: "Because we have a shop in the grounds of Epsom Hospital, we get to know people around us in the hospital and often have the chance to speak to them about their specific needs. It seemed like the perfect time to offer some money to the cardiology department and we were pleased to be able to help in any way we could."
The Trust's cardiology department offers inpatient and outpatient treatment for patients with coronary heart disease, arrhythmias (an irregular heartbeat or abnormal heart rhythm), heart failure and any other heart problems.
