NEW fans have been donated to help fight infection and improve the comfort of patients at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

The nine Dyson fans plus 12 nebuliser kits and other medical equipment were presented to staff at the respiratory wards by Denise Hewlett, founder of Breathe Bright Rest Easy, a local group which aims to improve respiratory care in Dorset.

The new gear will help in-patients with chronic respiratory conditions by reducing temperatures on the ward, while the nebulisers will allow respiratory patients to take their medication in the comfort of their own home, supported by Dorset Adult Integrated Respiratory Service (DAIRS) nurses and the AMBER team at Christchurch surgeries.

Dr Hewlett, a University of Winchester academic, raised the funds by organising numerous events over the past year.

She said: “More than 800,000 people per year in the UK die from respiratory disease.

“Many of these deaths could be prevented through better patient research, access to medical equipment as well as by raising increased awareness of the causes of respiratory diseases and how to manage these conditions.

“We have a real chance to see real change in improving care provided to and subsequently improve quality of life of our patients in our region.”

Trust matron Troy Welch said: “We would like to thank Denise, whose dedication through Breathe Bright Breathe Easy has raised in excess of £5,000 this year alone.

“In total this year, 21 Dyson fans have been donated for patients’ use whilst in hospital, eleven nebulising boxes to help support patients in the community and ten OMBRAs compressed nebulising kits .

“We are sincerely grateful to all the organisations and individuals that have helped the charity over the course of this year. Their amazing efforts will benefit so many patients and families.”

The project has been supported by the University of Winchester, the Dyson Foundation, Phillips Medical, Henley’s Medical, Solus Medical, Waitrose Winton and Ringwood and Daniel Paintings.

Dr Hewlett said she was hoping to raise £10,000 next year. For more information on the group visit www.breathebrightresteasy.co.uk.