DOCTORS at the children’s ward at Borders General Hospital have been presented with new training equipment, thanks to a local charity.

At its tenth annual dinner last year, the Borders Change Foundation announced it had raised £19,500 for a SimJunior – a realistic, full-body simulator for paediatric emergencies.

The apparatus, which arrived last week, represents a six-year-old boy and simulates a range of conditions from a healthy, talking child to an unresponsive, critical patient.

Dr Andrew Duncan, paediatric consultant, said: “Practicing how we care for children in critical situations is central to getting it right in real emergencies and the child health department, so the BGH will really benefit from this gift. 

“Our existing Simbaby has been all over the hospital and has allowed us to deliver training, so having this modern, realistic child simulator will really enhance the training scenarios that we go through with staff. 

“We are very grateful to the generosity of the people who attended the dinner that will help us to deliver the best for our children and young people.”

Almost 200 people attended the the charity’s annual dinner back in September, which James and Elaine Marjoribanks started in 2007.

Since then they have raised more than £260,000 for the BGH and other deserving causes in the Borders.

James told us: “There is a fair bit of work goes into organising the charity dinner but when you see the changes it can make to people’s lives when the money goes to a deserving cause, it makes it all worthwhile. 

“We have a very loyal group of businesses and individuals that buy a table at the dinner each year and we make sure they have a fun night of great food and first class entertainment and they are more than happy to support the charitable cause we are raising money for. 

“I cannot thank them enough as well as all those that have generously given auction and raffle prizes over the many years.”

This year’s fundraising dinner will be on September 1 at the Lodge at Carfraemill, with the charity looking to raise money for a cause related to cancer care.

If you are interested in taking a table, then please email James at jym@hoggandthorburn.co.uk.