THOUSANDS has been raised to put Christchurch Hospital on the map for its physiotherapy services.

Over several decades, £312,677 has been raised for Christchurch Hospital.

The Christchurch Hospital League of Friends says it has poured its heart and soul into funding the vital refurbishment of the Physiotherapy unit at Christchurch Hospital.

The Hospital on Fairmile Road in Christchurch is also now able to oversee 1,500 patients a month.

The Christchurch Hospital League of Friends has supported the hospital since the 1970s and continues to do so.

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust has also linked its two physiotherapy departments at Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals.

It is now proud to be one of the most desired places to work for physiotherapy in BCP and Christchurch Hospital League of Friends has helped supply equipment such as a DEXA scanner which is a high-precision type of X-ray that measures bone mineral density and bone loss.

The League of Friends also financed a leg press, a weights rack, and a rowing machine as well as investing in staff training and play equipment for children in the waiting area.

League of Friends trustee, Josephine Spencer MBE said: “To have a hospital like no other in our borough is not to be taken for granted.

“We recognise the hard work of everybody at this hospital and are proud of all that we have achieved and contributed. It really is a special hospital with a heart and history.

“It has the personal touch and now has facilities that set it apart from others. Every patient really matters here so why shouldn’t the staff have what is needed to take their services to the next level.”

Chief strategy transformation director, Richard Renaut said: “The late Joan Pounds who was the Chair of the League of Friends was an inspiration and instrumental part of Christchurch Hospital.

“A plaque in memory of Joan now sits in the waiting area to recognise her phenomenal contribution over decades of volunteering and fundraising through the League of Friends.

“She was somebody who embraced change and improvements wherever possible. What a difference she and everybody involved has made.”