Almost £2.6million donated to hospital charities

Money helped to fund vital medical equipment and staff training as well as improve facilities for patients to make them more comfortable while in hospital.

The Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust received £1.4 million from donations and income from fundraising activities during 2013/14.

During the year, the children's play area at Sandwell Hospital was given a makeover and money was also put forward for a sensory garden which is due to be completed in February.

Charity chairman Dr Sarindar Sahota OBE said: "Most of the £1.4 million of income received by the charity has been donated by family members of loved ones who have been cared for by the trust.

"This financial support demonstrates the appreciation and thanks felt by numerous individuals and families, many of whom have faced bereavements, for the compassionate care that has been given by staff at all levels, right across the organisation."

The Dudley Group NHS Charity received £400,000 in charitable donations, a further £190,000 in legacies and investment income amounted to £53,000.

Some of the cash was used to buy patient and visitor chairs for wards as well as televisions and headphones.

It was also used to allow consultants, medical staff and nurses to attend additional courses aimed at updating them on the new ideas and modern techniques in their specialities.

Hospital trust chief executive Paula Clark, said: "We greatly appreciate every donation we receive, especially in these difficult economic times. The money continues to support a wide range of health-related activities which benefit both patients and staff.

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust received a total of £78,675 in donations to its charitable fund, plus a legacy of £7,500 to the Fair Oaks Day Hospice.

The donations included money for the creation of a play area outside the children's ward.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Charitable Fund Ben Reid, said: "We are always delighted to receive donations for our charitable fund as we recognise that this is a tough financial climate for many individuals and also that the people and organisations that fundraise face an increasing challenge.

"Donations are often made by grateful patients or their families and friends in acknowledgement of the care they have received in hospital or in the community.

"This ranges from celebrating the safe delivery and nursing of a premature baby through to a family wishing to mark the passing of a loved one. We appreciate every gesture however small and all money donated or bequeathed to the charitable fund is used to make improvements for the benefit of other service users."

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity was boosted by £483,000. Of that of which £278,000 related to donations, £52,000 to legacies, £55,000 had been raised through fundraising and £98,000 came from investment income.

Money has been used to buy specialist pieces of equipment, not generally provided by the NHS.