A PORTABLE oxygen cylinder has been bought for Halton Hospital by the Let's Go Stroke Club.

It means that patients being transferred to another ward or being sent for an X-ray can now be moved more easily.

"I was in Halton Hospital a while ago and saw three nurses helping to move a patient with a big oxygen cylinder," said Bob Bryant, chairman of the Let's Go Stroke Club.

"It made me think there had to be a better way."

The club presented ward B3 with a £200 portable oxygen cylinder.

Judith Burgess, B3 manager, said: "Previously, patients had to be transferred with a full size oxygen cylinder, which took two few nurses off the ward.

"Now the portable cylinder is small enough to clip onto the end of the bed, making transfers much easier."

"Staff are thrilled because they can now concentrate more of their attention on the patient now, while the portable cylinder is more convenient for them to use too."

The club has donated various other pieces of equipment to the hospital.

They have paid for welcome packs for stroke patients, which include soap, toothpaste and a flannel. They recently donated some clocks.

Halton has one of the highest rates of stroke, with up to 20 people a month coming into hospital.

Bob, added: "Most people will not have the time to be able to grab things like soap and toothpaste when they come in, so the ward sisters have got our packs to hand out.

"We have also bought reclining chairs, electric wheelchairs and 28 wheelchairs which are loaned out for use in the community at no charge.

"Stroke care in Halton has been steadily improving and we like to feel we are helping with that process."