Patients and staff at Paulton Hospital Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) celebrated as the Paulton Hospital League of Friends group donated £115,000 to fund a new X-ray facility at the same time the hospital celebrates its 150th anniversary.

The donation made by the League of Friends includes a substantial legacy left to the group by local man Ray Ashman who was treated at Paulton Hospital and passed away in 2020.

The new X-ray facility has also received funding from the NHS who are covering the cost of building work to accommodate the new machine. The new X-ray facility is due to open in Spring 2023 and will be available for use by both patients at Paulton MIU and those referred to the service by GPs and from the wider community. Paulton Hospital was originally opened in October 1872 by Lord Arthur Hervey, Bishop of Bath and Wells.

Today services at Paulton Hospital MIU are provided by HCRG Care Group on behalf of Bath and North East Somerset Council and NHS Bath and North East Somerset Integrated Care Board.

It plays an essential role in the local health and care system and is staffed by a team made up of highly trained Emergency Nurse Practitioners, Paramedics, Nurses, and Associate Practitioners, all with experienced clinical and diagnostic skills.

The MIU is open from 8am to 8pm seven days a week and is able to offer treatment for a range of medical problems including sprains and strains, cuts and grazes, arm, lower leg and foot injuries, bites, minor burns, minor head injuries, broken noses and nosebleeds and eye problems.

Gilly Gould, Chair of the Paulton Hospital League of Friends said: "Paulton Hospital has been at the very heart of the local community for 150 years, offering care and support to generations of people. We are delighted to be able to support that work and we would like to thank the family of Mr Ashman for their generous donation as well as the thousands of people who have helped the Paulton Hospital League of Friends raise much needed funding through our charitable activities over recent years."

Val Scrase, Regional Director at HCRG Care Group said: "A huge thank you to everyone who supported the fantastic work of the League of Friends charity. This funding will make a huge difference in improving patient care, and the overall patient journey for those referred to the Minor Injuries Unit."

Gill May, Chief Nurse at Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board said: "We are immensely grateful to the League of Friends for this generous donation. Paulton Hospital plays a significant role in offering health and care services to local people and this new X-ray facility will make a difference to how we deliver outpatient services locally and will ensure patients do not have to travel for long distances."