ELDERLY patients at Wokingham Hospital will benefit from a host of new equipment to aid their recovery thanks to a donation from the hospital’s cafe.

The Royal Voluntary Service cafe, which is based at the Barkham Road hospital, raised £5,700 which will be put back into the facility’s community wards.

The cash injection will directly help older patients on the Ascot and Windsor Wards who are recovering from a range of health issues.

The equipment purchased will include new aids to make rising from a sitting position much easier for patients, while a new age bowling kit will be used by physios to help improve mobility in a fun way. New iPods and CD players will provide patients with music therapy, which is particularly soothing for those with dementia, while DVD players can be used to show old films.

Clare Nicklos, Ward Manager, at Wokingham Hospital, said: “Funds on the ward are limited, so this has been a terrific bonus and boost to our resources, helping the recovery of our patients and enhancing their comfort and safety. We are very grateful to the Royal Voluntary Service for this generous donation.”

Olly Young, Retail Area Manager for Royal Voluntary Service in the South said: “It gives the Royal Voluntary Service great pleasure to be able to gift Berkshire Healthcare £5,700. Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers in the café work extremely hard to provide a warm, friendly and inviting service to the hospital, whilst also raising much needed funds.”

Royal Voluntary Service is actively looking to more volunteers to help serve staff, patients and visitors at Wokingham Hospital. To find out more email enquiries@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.