“Our previous cameras, also donated by the Friends of St. Peter’s, were over seven years old and becoming unreliable with rapidly changing and improving image technology had had their day,” says Medical Photographer, Trevor Skidmore.   “These new cameras and the associated equipment and software will enable us to provide a more reliable service and a better digital image of the variety of medical conditions our patients have.”

The Friends have donated:

·          Two Nikon D300 digital cameras;

·          One Nikon Speed Light SB-800  flash gun;

·          One Nikon Multi power and Battery pack;

·          Two Nikon quick chargers; and

·          Six Nikon LI-ion battery pack.

·          Associated Nikon image processing software

·          Adobe Photoshop CS3 image processing and editing software

The equipment will be used for photographing patients who are due to undergo breast reconstruction following cancer,rhinoplasty, ulcers, skin conditions and a variety of other medical problems.   The Medical Photographer operates from a Photographic Studio and also visits wards and clinics across both hospital sites.

Jim McCall, Chairman of the Friend of St. Peter’s, comments: “The Medical Photography service plays an important part in recording the progress of some patients during their treatment, from arrival at the hospital through to their discharge.    A good clear image is required and we are pleased to be able to support the Medical Photographer.  This is just one of the many areas that we have been able to assist across the hospital and anyone wanting to support the Friends would be welcome.”

The Friends of St. Peter’s have been supporting the hospital for 55 years and are responsible for the management of the Friends Café and the Shop in the Main Entrance at St. Peter’s.   Amongst other donations made to the hospital, the Friends have recently paid for:

·          new chairs (£9,000) for the patient’s waiting area in the Accident and Emergency Centre;

·          a Lucas Chest Compression system (£5,400) for the Resuscitation Unit;

·          four wheelchairs (£8,300) for the Physiotherapy Department for the special needs of stroke patients;

·          refurbishment of the X-ray Department Staff Rest Room (£12,700);

·          with the help of a donation from a charity golf day at Burhill Golf Club sponsored by Octagon Developments Ltd, 50 small baby cribs for the Maternity Unit (£14,900). 

For further information about the Friends of St. Peter’s and their work please call 01932-723867 or The Friends Shop on 01932-722339.