A CHARITY that raises cash for extra facilities at Taunton’s hospital “must be the most successful in the country”, its president claims.

Chris Cutting said he was amazed at everything the League of Friends of Musgrove Park Hospital had funded when he arrived in the town as a young doctor 40 years ago.

“It included a new children’s ward, neo-natal unit and the relatives’ bungalow,” said Mr Cutting.

“We’re very grateful to local people over the years – thanks to them we’ve recently been able to contribute £350,000 towards the new cutting edge CT scanner, fund a new MRI scanner for A&E and we’re currently raising £58,000 for a spinal microscope.

“The League of Friends in Taunton must be the most successful one in the country. It has always been sensitive to our needs and those of young consultants arriving with new ideas requiring new pieces of equipment.”

Mr Cutting said the list of needs continues as the NHS cannot afford all the new technology that doctors would like.

He added: “Musgrove will soon finish the new Jubilee Building, with 112 en suite rooms for surgical patients and I’m sure we’ll be helping with equipment there.”

*The League of Friends recently held two tea parties – one in Anne Jefferies’ garden in Corfe, which raised £132, the other at St Mary Magdalene Church, Taunton, to thank volunteers who run the two shops and trolley service at Musgrove.

*An Autumn Evening at Nynehead Court on Friday, October 18, with music in the church and supper in the orangery will raise funds for the league – tickets at £15 are available from 01823-461166.

*Volunteers interested in taking the shop trolley around the wards at Musgrove should call Jackie on 01823-284944.