A charity has helped buy specialist equipment for larger patients undergoing surgical procedures at Airedale Hospital.

Friends of Airedale donated £8,500 to the hospital’s theatres department to buy a pair of bariatric leg supports, used to raise and move larger patients’ legs during some types of operations.

The hydraulic leg supports used previously allow patients up to a weight of 159kg to be manoeuvred and positioned.

However, the theatres department at Airedale says it has increasingly been receiving patients who are heavier than this, which required additional equipment to ensure the patients’ legs can be moved safely.

Julie Livesey, general manager for the surgical group and lead cancer manager at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: “They will support patients up to a weight of 364kg, and we’d like to thank the Friends of Airedale for their generous donation.”

Friends chairman Eileen Proud said: “We’re very pleased to be able to support the hospital’s work to ensure all patients receive the same quality of care.”