A GROUP which provides vital support to Petersfield Hospital needs new volunteers to come forward.

The call for more people to step up and join the Friends of Petersfield Hospital is being led by the chairman of East Hampshire District Council, Lynn Evans.

The group raises money in and around the town to help buy equipment to be used at the Swan Street hospital which may not necessarily be able to be afforded by the National Health Service (NHS).

The latest purchase for the hospital was two beds to be used by family members of patients to allow them to stay overnight at the hospital site.

Cllr Evans found out more about the group, which has been supporting the hospital since 1962, when she attended its annual general meeting last month.

However, she warned that the Friends would find it difficult to continue functioning efficiently unless more helpers are found.

“What a fantastic group this is, when you see what they have provided for the hospital over the years it really is amazing,” she said.

“But the sad fact is they cannot continue doing this wonderful work unless they get a few more people in to help them.

“If you have any spare time and are looking to do something really worthwhile for the benefit of your community then please get in touch with the Friends of Petersfield Hospital.”

Chairman of the Friends of Petersfield Hospital John Granger believes the group would benefit from attracting some new younger volunteers to help them continue the effectiveness of their fundraising work.

He said: “We work to help inpatients and patients of Petersfield Hospital by providing aids not always funded by the NHS.

“We are short of volunteers who want to join the Friends and we need some younger people to join the committee.

“The hospital is going to play an increasingly important part in the area and the Friends provides a way for the community to look after this fantastic facility.”

Anyone interested in helping or finding out more information should get in touch with John Granger on 01730 263817.