THE TRUSTEES of the new Okehampton Hospital are delighted to announce that the appeal has finally closed after raising a total of almost a quarter of a million pounds. The money raised by so many people in the Okehampton area over the last five years has now been spent. In an open letter thanking the local community for its support, the trustees say: ?We want to congratulate every single person who worked so hard to raise a total of nearly £250,000. ?You drank coffee, ate meals, danced, raffled, walked (even through the Himalayas) ran and so much more. Above all you gave your money and your time and we are all very grateful.? The letter, signed by the trustees, continues: ?It is wonderful that we have also been able to provide new furniture, curtains and equipment instead of having to transfer tired and worn items from the old hospitals. ?In addition, we have been able to buy some extra pieces of medical apparatus, which would not have been supplied by the NHS.? Among the many things the appeal has been able to provide to the hospital are: n beautiful gardens n specialist bathroom equipment n state of the art examination couch n physiotherapy department equipment n Minor Injuries Unit equipment n Tele dermatology n music system. The appeal?s final purchases include a sculpture celebrating motherhood and a new baby resuscitaire. The small sum remaining in the appeal account is being transferred to the Friends of Okehampton Hospital. The trustees say they very much hope that all the enthusiastic support they have received will also be transferred to the Friends whose work they believe will be vital in the coming years to maintain and develop the hospital.
