A generous £10,000 donation will ensure patients needing a specialised bed will be able to rest in greater comfort.

The Community Services Committee from Brentwood a Becket Rotary Club donated the sum to Saint Francis Hospice to fund a bariatric bed, which is specially designed for people who need extra support.

Up until now the hospice has had to hire beds, which are currently only available for a minimum of one month at a time and since April the charity has spent more than £7,500 on bed hire on just two occasions.

“We are extremely grateful to the Rotary Community Services Committee for this generous donation as it will benefit patients as well as save the hospice a lot of money in the long run,” said Sue Lakey, Inpatient Unit Manager.

“The hospice has seen a rise in the number of patients requiring the use of specialist bariatric equipment, which is essential in enabling us to maintain patient comfort, safety and dignity, whilst also ensuring staff safety.

"The bed is also suitable for all patients so it will always be put to good use.”

The hospice was fortunate in that it was able to purchase an ex-hire bed that cost £10,000, a huge saving on a new bed that would cost between £28,000 and £35,000.

Graham Wale, President of Brentwood a Becket Rotary Club said: “The Rotary Club of Brentwood a Becket has been associated with Saint Francis Hospice for most of its history.

"Many of our members have served either as nursing staff or volunteers.

"During that time we have been pleased to help towards the needs of the hospice and the donation of this bariatric bed today is just another example where the money we raise as a club can be put to good use locally.”

“It is important to us that the money we raise in our local community through events like the Brentwood Half Marathon and Fun Run helps make a real positive difference to the local community over the long-term.

"I am sure that this bed will benefit both patients and staff for many years to come.”

Brentwood a Becket Rotary Club has 37 members and meets every Monday night at the Marygreen Manor Hotel in London Road Brentwood at 7.15pm.

For more information go to www.brentwoodabecketrotary.org.