Fundraisers in Exmouth have given the town’s hospital a big lift with a £6,000 donation for a new patient hoist.
The League of Friends of Exmouth Hospital joined forces with Exmouth Freemasons to purchase the new piece of equipment after the previous hoist broke.
Ward Matron Jade Dyer said: “This new hoist is already making a massive difference and we can’t thank the League of Friends and Exmouth Freemasons enough for such a wonderful donation.
“Without this piece of equipment, we simply wouldn’t be able to safely move or reposition bed-bound patients who are unable to stand or weight bear.”
Speaking at a special presentation of the new hoist on the Doris Heard Ward, League of Friends Chairman David Bassett thanked members of the Freemasons of Exmouth for their support.
“Together, we’re delighted to have been able to enhance patient care, support staff wellbeing, and strengthen community health services,” he said.
The League of Friends has raised nearly £3million for the hospital since it was established in 1952, including £250,000 for a major refurbishment of the Geoffrey Willoughby Surgical Ward and a new General Outpatients in 2022.
Donations in 2025 totalled nearly £75,000 and included funding for new Minor Injuries Unit waiting room seating; a clinical ice making machine; garden plants and maintenance; and artwork in the hospital corridors in collaboration with Exmouth Photo Group.
Debbie Allen, Royal Devon Hospitals Charity Community Fundraiser, said: “These generous donations are both brilliant examples of how the local community can help enhance patient care beyond what’s possible with NHS funding.
“This is something the Exmouth League of Friends has been doing incredibly well for many years and we can’t thank them enough for making such a difference to their local hospital.”
