Workers from BAE Systems in Barrow have donated £2,000 towards a new piece of equipment for use at Furness General Hospital.
The donation, made to Bay Hospitals Charity from the company’s Give As You Earn scheme, will be used to buy an Accuvein device for use at the hospital.
The equipment uses light to improve the visibility of veins in patients of all ages, helping to ensure needles and cannulas can be inserted as easily as possible to give patients medicines and fluids.
University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust Executive Chief Nurse Bridget Lees said: “The support that BAE Systems has given to purchase this equipment will help to ensure that hundreds of patients in our trust are more comfortable during procedures such as taking of blood samples or administering of intravenous medication.
“The equipment can be particularly useful when caring for children, or patients whose veins are difficult to locate due to dehydration. As well as minimising discomfort for patients, Accuveins save the trust money and cut waste by reducing the number of failed attempts to insert cannulas.
“This donation will make a tangible difference to our patients and the people who care for them.”
BAE Systems staff contribute to the Give As You Earn scheme by donating at least £1 per week from their pay packet. Charities can apply for grants from the fund, which is managed by a joint staff and union committee.
Submarines Operations Director Oli Wignall chairs the committee. He said: “Our core base is Barrow and we are committed to supporting the community in the Furness area.
“There are some really dedicated local charities and I’m proud so many of our employees take the opportunity to support them in this way.”
Bay Hospitals Charity funds the latest equipment for University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust to help make patients more comfortable and ensure they get the best possible care and treatment.
To donate and support your local NHS hospital, contact Bay Hospitals Charity on 01524 516064 or email charity@uhmb.nhs.uk
