FRIENDS of a community hospital have spent more than £26,000 to help patients and relatives in the last year.

The Friends of Richmond Friary Community Hospital has spent £26,125, including £18,000 for new beds, air mattresses and pumps; £7,826 for a bladder scanner; £103 for a small fridge for relatives to use; and £110 for repairs to a Yamaha piano.

Treasurer of the group, Roy Cross, said the group has also promised to give a £20,000 donation towards the Northallerton Friarage Hospital MRI Scanner Appeal, to be paid once the scanner has been installed.

Mr Cross said: “This time last year, we hoped to create a private room for patients and relatives, and to refurbish the main bath and shower room, and we were prepared to accept the cost of £40,000.

“Very sadly, these are still our hopes as we have found it extremely difficult to get permission from the owners of the hospital building to start the work even though it would cost them nothing.”

Deborah Prince from NHS Property Services said the building was privately owned.

She added: “We are involved in the lease only so don’t have any involvement in approving refurbishments.”

The Northern Echo had not been able to reach the building owners for comment.

Mr Cross added: “All donations received by the Friary Friends are spent on the well-being of patients, with nothing taken for administration.

“We are also making a handsome interest for the charity in our investment fund.”