A GROUP has been praised for 30 years of support to a North Yorkshire hospital.

The Friends of The New Selby War Memorial Hospital were thanked by the chief executive of York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Patrick Crowley, at a ceremony at the facility, where he presented them with a commemorative plaque.

In the organisation's three decades, The Friends have contributed more than £200,000 to the trust, and recently donated more than £11,000 to allow the trust to buy eight cots for the maternity unit at York Hospital, and £25,000 towards the cost of a self care dialysis unit at Selby Hospital.

Mr Crowley said: "The Trust has been very fortunate to have the active support of The Friends, especially through their provision of volunteer support and fundraising efforts in the community for the benefit of our patients.

"This is an incredible milestone and one that represents years of hard work and generosity given by their volunteers. On a daily basis the volunteers give their time willingly serving refreshments, spending time chatting with patients or tidying the hospital grounds. Every role they perform assists our staff and makes our patients’ experience that little bit better."

The most recent equipment purchased includes an endoscope for the ENT Department and four 24 hour blood pressure machines, at a total cost of around £16,000.

Carol Robson, chair of The Friends, said: "I’d like to thank all the Friends for their continued commitment and support and also the people of Selby and district for their on-going support and generosity.

"It’s a fantastic achievement for all involved. The hospital has played an important part in the lives of all those living in the community for over 85 years and it’s been a pleasure to be part of that."

To volunteer with the Friends, phone 01904 724560 or email SWMHFriendsAdmin@york.nhs.uk