A LODGE for carers, friends and relatives of heart patients at Derriford Hospital this week opened its doors for the first time.

HeartSWell Lodge, within six minutes walking distance of the hospital's South West cardiothoracic unit has been built and furnished at a cost of £700,000. The money was entirely raised by public appeals over the past five years.

The charity, HeartSWell South-West, is vice-chaired by Yelverton woman Monica Pearce.

Each of the 27 bedrooms in the lodge has an individual telephone linked directly to the nursing staff on the cardiothoracic ward.

The accommodation is particularly aimed at providing an overnight stay for carers of those who travel from across Devon and Cornwall to undergo specialist heart surgery and other cardiac procedures at Derriford.

Partners, carers, relatives and friends who would have difficulty travelling to and from Plymouth each day can stay at the lodge for as long as necessary.

The length of a patient's stay at the cardiothoracic unit can vary greatly, the average is four days, but in some cases patients may only stay overnight and in others several weeks.

Monica Pearce said: 'It will make a terrific difference to the relatives and carers of the many people who come from all over the South West to Derriford for heart treatment.

'They will be able to stay in a safe and secure environment and they will be able to be in contact with the hospital just by picking up the telephone.'

Donations to the charity included legacies by people who had heart surgery themselves.

Mrs Pearce expressed thanks to everyone across the region who had given their money and time to the appeal. The charity has received no Government or European money for the lodge.

The lodge overlooks the Plym Nature Reserve. The 16 twin bedrooms have en-suite facilities and there are another 11 single rooms, each with private toilet and washbasin and access to a bathroom, making a total of 43 beds available.

One room is specially designed for disabled people. There is also a residents' lounge, laundry room, dining area and kitchen.

The lodge has already taken a number of bookings several months ahead from carers of people who are due to come to Derriford for heart treatment. Bookings can be made by telephoning Jill Brown, the lodge's manager on 01752 315900.