ROYAL Bournemouth Hospital has unveiled a new £1m CT scanner to provide more efficient and effective treatment for thousands of patients.

The state-of-the-art scanner was funded through a number of donations to Bournemouth Hospital Charity, including legacies left in wills as well as contributions from the Stroke Unit fund, patients and even staff.

One legacy donation was provided by former RBH nurse Phyllis Ridd, whose niece Joanna Ridd shared the honour of cutting the ribbon to declare the new scanner open alongside Mr Yuji Hamada of Toshiba Medical Systems, who attended the opening from Japan.

After her death in 2015 having reached her 90s, Phyllis Ridd known as ‘Phyll’ bequeathed a legacy donation to Bournemouth Hospital Charity. Close friend Janice Smith said: “As a nurse, it was very important to Phyll that her donation will be used for good.

“I think she would be absolutely over the moon, to be honest, to know that she’s going to help so many local people with her bequest.”

Phyllis’s niece Joanna Ridd said her aunt was passionate about the health service and would be proud to see what her donation has helped to achieve.

“It will help everybody, no matter who they are,” says Joanna. “She would be really pleased. I’m very proud.”

Bournemouth Hospital Charity’s Legacy Officer, Gemma Saunders, says that the new device – which will provide consultants with enhanced clarity and accuracy when examining patients and help to reduce waiting times – shows how valuable donations and gifts are to the hospital.

“Bournemouth Hospital Charity benefits greatly from all legacy gifts, whether large or small,” explained Gemma.

“This amazing new CT scanner is a perfect example of what can be achieved thanks to the contributions of so many people in the community as well as the hospital.”

For more information about leaving a legacy to the hospital, go to BHCharity.org/legacies/