Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to return a full x-ray service to Stratton Hospital following the installation of a new digital x-ray machine. The former x-ray machine, which served the town for over 20 years was replaced last month by a digital counterpart. Costing £196,000, the new machine has been generously funded by the Stratton Hospital League of Friends in memory of Candy Baker MBE.Sarah Washer, hospital matron, said: “The ‘Friends’ and the community are generous supporters of the hospital and its staff. The new technology provided by the digital facility will benefit staff as well as residents and visitors to Bude, Stratton and North Cornwall.
“On behalf of the hospital and the community, I’m delighted to accept this gift , and to name it ‘Candy Baker MBE x-ray suite”.
Candy, who moved to Cornwall in the 1970s tirelessly campaigned for a new hospital in the area, and, right from her nursing days always fought for improvements in the NHS. During her time in the county, Candy held positions as chair of the country wide and Stratton Hospital League of Friends. Alongside the late Ray Hockin, Candy led a £1,000,000 fundraising campaign which saw her awarded an MBE in 2014.
Ann Furse, chair of the League of Friends said “We are delighted that the local community has given us such generous support through Candy’s fundraising campaign. This has enabled us to provide such a valuable facility at Stratton Hospital benefitting the local population as well as visitors to this area”.
Between 500 and 600 x-rays are taken each month in the hospital, by radiographers employed by the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust. X-ray is available at the hospital, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
Pictured in front of the x-ray unit at Stratton Hospital are some of the Trustees of Stratton Hospital League of Friends with project manager Adam Peters and Gail Morwood Radiographer. Picture: Paul Hamlyn.
