DONATIONS from the Friends of Airedale charity have been used to enhance the comfort of patients pulled out of their usual routines by their stay in hospital.

The hairdressing team at Airedale can now go mobile thanks to the charity, which has bought three mobile wash basins to make it much easier for the hairdressers to visit the wards for those patients who can’t leave their bed or ward.

The charity has also bought two new overhead dryers for use in the busy salon.

Salon owner Beverly Naylor from Cononley has been styling hair at the hospital for over 30 years, and five years ago she made it a family business when she was joined by daughter Helen.

The hairdressing team offers a chance to brighten the day of patients with a style and a friendly chat.

Beverly said: “Our service is vital to help those patients who can’t wash their own hair or just want to feel better during their stay in hospital.

"I love working here and love the fact I’m helping patients feel good.”

Michelle Rust, health care support worker, who has arranged visits for patients and is a regular at the salon herself, said: “If patients feel better about themselves, this all helps their wellbeing.

"Having your hair done can really change the way you feel and it’s nice for them to have a visit from the hairdressers or go to the salon and come back to the ward feeling good.”