Peter takes the helm of friends league at Musgrove (From Somerset County Gazette)

Peter takes the helm of friends league at Musgrove

9:20am Monday 17th September 2012 in Taunton

PETER Gibbs has taken over from Rosemary McHugh as chairman of the League of Friends of Musgrove.

Mrs McHugh, who chaired the executive committee for two years, said: “I was privileged to be involved in the very successful appeal for the amazing CT Scanner.

“I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to the magnificent effort as well as everyone who’s helped me during my term of office.

“I’ve enjoyed it very much.”

Mr Gibbs thanked her for everything she has done for the League of Friends. He has been a member of the League since the early 1980s.

His skills as a trustee come from working as a legal executive in both the private sector and at County Hall and, in retirement, is still director of a small property company.

His interests include cricket and golf, which he played until quite recently, mainly at Vivary Golf Club.

His wife, Anne, a former nursing sister at Musgrove, also serves on the committee.

The executive committee is composed of volunteers who act as trustees of the League of Friends, meeting monthly to govern the running of the organisation.

Each year, department heads of the hospital supply a wish list of equipment they feel would crucially enhance their departments’ work.

The committee debates the contenders before deciding which requests to support that would benefit the most.

This year’s project, ‘Back to Health’, aims to raise £58,000 for a spinal microscope for the Spinal Surgery Service.

It will give improved binocular vision and more light so the four spinal surgeons at Musgrove can make a smaller incision when operating on delicate spinal tissue.

This will mean less risk of infection and a smaller scar – and, in some cases, patients will be in and out in a day, meaning less time off work and freeing up hospital beds.

The microscope will also be an aid, with its double viewers, to teaching young surgeons, helping to make Musgrove a place of excellence in this area.

The executive board is appealing for volunteers – call the secretary on 01823-461166 for details.