A SMALL piece of equipment will make a big difference to patients under the care of the respiratory team at the Friarage Hospital.

The Friends of the Friarage has donated £7,500 for a blood gas analyser, which allows nursing staff to take blood samples and get immediate results in the patient’s own home rather than them having to come into hospital.

It means the nursing team covering the Hambleton and Richmondshire area can make necessary adjustments to treatment there and then, making the service more responsive.

And for patients it reduces unnecessary clinic appointments and even prevent a hospital stay.

Nurse Sarah Turnbull said: “It’s often difficult for our patients with disabling respiratory conditions to get into hospital, as many are elderly and housebound, and we do cover such a large area.”