£10k thanks for hospital treatment

A hospital patient diagnosed with arthritis five years ago has made a £10,000 donation to a Staffordshire hospital so that new equipment can be purchased.

Bill Bryne presented the cash to allow Cannock Chase Hospital bosses to buy a new portable ultrasound scanner to help diagnose early arthritis. He has been a patient at the hospital for more than five years and still requires treatment for the condition. He said he was so impressed with the care and treatment he decided to give something back.

With the help of his wife Carol, sister Cathy and friend Bernadette Mills, plus Cannock Chase consultant rheumatologist, Dr Tom Sheeran, Mr Byrne organised a charity ball for 250 people at the Burlington Hotel, Birmingham.

The evening, which included a memorabilia auction, raised £10,000 for the fund to buy the £30,000 scannre.

"Everyone at the hospital has been exceptional and all the staff have been outstanding," he said.

"They are very caring and understanding. It's fantastic to see the machine the money has been spent on."

Mr Byrne, who runs his own executive search consultancy, added: "We will hopefully be doing another charity event for the rheumatology department in the near future."

His donation has been marked with a commemorative plaque which will be on display in the hospital.

Sonographer Alison Hall said the new equipment would make a big impact: "A £10,000 donation is absolutely fantastic. Normally, a machine like this would have to be funded within existing budgets, meaning money would have to be taken from elsewhere.

"The scanner will make a real difference to the early detection of arthritis. It will also help staff guide injections into patients' joints with more accuracy."