Friends of Chichester Hospitals in push for eye unit

The Friends of Chichester Hospitals have just launched a £250,000 fundraising drive for the Eye Day Surgery Unit (iDSU), which started treating patients at the beginning of August after almost 20 years’ absence.

The ophthalmology examination suite and operating theatre will have the latest technology available to help surgeons diagnose and treat eye diseases including cataract, macular degeneration and glaucoma.

The new equipment will enable surgeons to use minimally invasive techniques, which will increase safety and efficiency.

The Friends’ latest fundraising appeal is a major commitment and chairman Jane Ramage said it was appealing to people across Chichester, Bognor Regis and Midhurst to support the campaign.

She said: “This is an exciting development and the Friends are delighted to support it – but we do need to raise £250,000 to pay for the superb equipment that will go into iDSU.

“It’s amazing how by giving up a little time to raise money for a good cause an individual or a group of friends or colleagues can make a real difference for their community – this is an important step forward for the health of the community at large as it will benefit patients and carers in an area from the tip of Selsey Bill to Midhurst and Petworth, and from Emsworth to Bognor Regis.”

Among those who are fundraising are members of the Chichester Rotoract group, who chose the Friends as their charity for 2010.

They have already got the ball rolling, raising £2,500 with two events: a barn dance and an Oscars-themed dinner dance and raffle which was held at Chichester Festival Theatre’s Brasserie in the Park.

Mrs Ramage said the Friends were thrilled with Rotaract’s generosity and said she hoped people across the area would take the appeal to their hearts to achieve the £250,000.

The Friends are asking people to get involved by making a donation, holding an event such as a quiz evening or tea party, doing a sponsored activity or having a collecting tin at work.

Chief executive of the Western Sussex Hospitals Trust (WSHT), Marianne Griffiths said: “This is one of the largest contributions the Friends  of Chichester Hospitals  have ever made which has enabled us to set up a world-class ophthalmology service in Chichester.

“We are enormously grateful and extend our special thanks, and thanks on behalf of the many patients who will benefit from this excellent service.”