MIDWIVES at the biggest hospitals in the Borders received a special delivery just in time for Christmas.

The Friends of of the BGH (Borders General Hospital) presented a cheque to the Labour Ward for £12,500 - half the cost of a portable ultrasound scanner.

It follows a recent fundraising drive.

The Labour Ward currently has a portable ultrasound scanner but it is taken out of the department for use in clinics during the day, Monday to Friday.

During this time, women who come to labour with emergency problems are scanned in the pregnancy assessment unit, but this may entail a wait, or moving to another part of the maternity unit.

An additional portable scanner will allow for prompt scanning in the labour ward environment.

The Department recently introduced two new care pathways which they hope will reduce the chance of stillbirth. The first of these involves scanning all women with reduced foetal movements, the other aims to produce tailored growth scans for women - and both of these interventions would be made much easier by an additional scanner.

The funds have been raised through a number of activities supported by the hospital staff including sponsored running events, zumba, yoga and Tai Chi classes, as well as a softball tournament.

In the last two years the Friends of the BGH have raised over £100,000 for the Margaret Kerr unit; Bladder Scanner; Community Allotment for the mental health unit; x-ray machine; and physio equipment, as well as decorating and equipping overnight rooms for patients’ relatives.

Hans Waltl, new Chairman of the Friends of the Borders General Hospital, said: “We are delighted to be able to help the Labour Ward with a contribution towards this equipment.

“The aim of the Friends is to raise funds through voluntary fundraising to support the service provided by the BGH for the health, welfare and comfort of patients and staff.

“My predecessors, Jennifer Croall, Alison Ferrahi and our Secretary Sandra Henwood have worked tirelessly to raise funds for the Friends to support the BGH and the community.

“We have a small committee of individuals and would welcome any new members or volunteers who wish to run events to contribute to the fundraising.” If you wish to support the Friends please contact Hans Waltl on 07970 642444.