EVERYDAY life on a hospital ward has been made easier for staff and patients with the arrival of a specialist hoist.

The £1,500 lift has been bought by Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital Voluntary Services to be used on the surgical ward.

The equipment helps to lift patients who can support themselves, but who may have some trouble getting about, and has helped staff who would previously have used handling belts or a sling-based hoist.

Senior healthcare assistant Julie Dunn said: "We were looking at areas where we could make some improvements to patient care and I asked the sister if she'd get in touch with the voluntary services about buying one for us. We sent them the details - and it just arrived on the ward one day, which was a lovely surprise."

Over its 25-year history, the hospital's voluntary services section has raised more than £1m to help patients and staff.

Chairwoman Ann McCormack said: "When we receive such a request, it goes through the committee trustees to consider. We were delighted to help out and I'm thrilled it's being put to such good use."