Appeal success as new X-ray machine goes live
News Archive > General > Appeal success as new X-ray machine goes live
campaign initiated by town restauranteur Vasant Maru.
Fundraising for the complete overhaul of the town’s X-ray department has taken two years with events across the community so far raising around £70,000. The launch leaves a shortfall of £29,000 which still needs to be raised to cover the cost of the ambitious project.
Newquay Hospital League of Friends Chairman, Stella Jenkin, said that they hope to raise the final amount in the next couple of months.
The X-ray machine is just part of the £200,000 refurbishment carried out by the NHS.
Mr Maru’s son, Veeray, was given the honour of uncovering a plaque during last Wednesday’s ceremony.
Members of the Rotary Club, Newquay Hospital League of Friends, Lane Theatre, and Lions Clubs, among others, were also present.
Vasant was delighted that the department is now open and thanked the community, he said: “So many people have given a lot of money for this project, in particular the Rotary Club who raised £10,000.
“I was so glad to get so much support and to see Newquay working so generously together in a time of difficulty, because of the recession. It just shows the more you give the more you get back.
“I am so pleased it is already opened, I never thought two years ago that it would happen so fast. I personally must give a huge thanks to my wife Susan, my family and my staff at the Maharajah restaurant who have all supported me so well. We are very grateful from the bottom of our hearts to everyone, but we still need to keep raising money so please keep on going.”
The head matron at Newquay Hospital, Wendy Fairclough, said she is very pleased with the improved facilities.
“It has been a huge benefit already in just a few days after opening,” she said. “It means quicker patient times and enhanced image quality. There is less movement making the whole experience easier for both staff and patients. We would like to say a huge thank you to the League of Friends, charity groups, businessmen and residents who have worked together to make this happen,” she added.
The Friends have organised a fashion show tonight (Wednesday) at the Hotel Bristol from 7pm and a coffee morning on March 23 from 10am until 12noon, same location, to try and raise the final amount.
