In reply to Ed Perkins’ Opinion article regarding the increased charges for Patients' TV and telephone at Poole Hospital, (Daily Echo, October 5) I agree that £5 for one day or £10 for three seems rather expensive and fear that many patients may find it cost prohibitive – a luxury they feel they must do without.

The phone element of the package does not represent good value for the many who have mobile phones and therefore only require TV.

I write as chairman of the League of Friends of Poole Hospital to let your readers know that for many years we provided and maintained large TV sets in the day rooms of all wards.

We also provided some extra sets for other areas where there was a need. In addition to this, we ran a trolley phone service for patients which was available on all wards. However, times changed and both TV and telephone provision for patients was taken over and given to commercial firms.

We continue to donate items large and small across the hospital, providing additional equipment and facilities for the benefit of patients and staff. Part of our remit is to provide those extras to make a stay in hospital as comfortable and relaxing as possible for patients.

To this end I shall be raising the issue of the new charges at our next committee meeting early in November in the hope that we can find a way of helping vulnerable and needy patients.

We are a registered charity and are affiliated to the national association, Attend.

We are badly in need of more active friends to help us with fund-raising and would be glad to hear from anyone who is interested and can spare an hour or two occasionally or weekly. Please leave a message on our answerphone at 01202 442346 and someone will contact you.

Betty Chapman, honorary chairman, Poole Hospital League of Friends