ONE of the most successful and generous charitable trusts in town, the Friends of Ledbury Cottage Hospital, has changed its name and its remit.

Now it will support not only the hospital but other healthcare work in the local area.

The decision will be of great benefit to healthcare work in the wider community, to assist in the care of patients who are convalescing, "disabled, handicapped, infirm of in need of assistance".

Many such patients will be living in their own homes.

Fund-raising, however, will also carry on for the community hospital itself.

Trust chairman, Dr Robert Scholefield said: "For very many years, the charitable trust managed by The Friends of Ledbury Cottage Hospital, supported and provided equipment for the old Cottage Hospital in the Homend.

"Since the new Ledbury Community Health and Care Centre opened at Market Street in 2002, The Friends of Ledbury Hospital, as they became known, have given valuable support to the NHS element of the new facility. A large amount of money, which had all been given to the Trust in charitable donations, was given to the hospital.

"This included the building of the physiotherapy department, provision of new X-ray and ultrasound machines and numerous other pieces of equipment. Support has also given to many members of staff in their extended training courses."

The sums given by the Trust have not been inconsiderable.

In May 2000, the Trust announced it would give £250,000 towards the new hospital's physiotherapy gym.

In May, 2013, the Trust provided £46,000 for an Aplio 300 ultra-sound scanner, and announced it would find £3000 for new beds, over the next few years.

Now, other healthcare projects in the area can look to a new, considerable source of support.

Dr Scholefield said: "After much deliberation, The Friends have decided to extend the remit of the Trust. "It is renamed The Friends of Ledbury and District Healthcare; and the Trustees will use the funds to support not only the hospital in Ledbury but also Healthcare work elsewhere in Ledbury and District."

He added:"Their object is to help in the relief of patients who are sick, convalescent, disabled, handicapped, infirm or in need of assistance. In addition they will facilitate the relief of sickness in the locality by promoting the efficient performance of duties by Healthcare workers."

The Friends of Ledbury and District Healthcare will continue to be grateful for any donation.

The Friends now plan to establish a website to give information about their future activities.