PATIENTS visiting Stroud General Hospital's minor injury unit to have plaster casts removed will literally benefit from cutting edge technology after volunteers raised funds for an innovative new piece of equipment.


Stroud Hospitals League of Friends have provided the hospital with a brand new QuietCast cutter - a hand held, battery operated cast cutter, which is small and quiet, and makes the process of removing casts much less distressing for vulnerable patients such as children and people with dementia.


The cast cutter along with several other pieces of new equipment was presented to staff by representatives of the group on Thursday, January 10.


Stroud Hospitals League of Friends have also donated three new ergonomically designed portering chairs, a plastering chair with a special hydraulic system, a new leg roller and leg rests.


Julien Standing, a registered nurse in the outpatients department, said:  "The new equipment has given our plaster room services a fantastic boost, both for patients and for nursing staff.  It means we can further improve the care and comfort of patients."


Dr Roy Lamb, president of the League of Friends, said the group was delighted to be able to provide such useful equipment and thanked everyone for their support. 


He also said new members of the League of Friends would be warmly welcomed and anyone interested should contact the group's administrator, Susan Strongitharm by calling  01453 764926 or emailing info@stroudleagueoffriends.org