NEW camera equipment has been provided at Ludlow Hospital to help treat patients with diabetes.

It is reinforces the determination of volunteers and supporters to secure the future of Ludlow Hospital.

The League of Friends of Ludlow Hospital handed over a new retinopathy camera to support the diabetes outpatient clinics held at the Hospital.

“This is one of several measures the League has funded to bring the latest technology to Ludlow so that our residents can get care closer to home,” said Peter Corfield, chairman of the League of Friends.

“We now provide podiatry and retinopathy on site which coupled with the excellent diabetic nursing service provided by local GP practices ensures that local people with diabetes are well cared for.”

All patients diagnosed with diabetes need to have regular examinations to ensure that potential damage caused by raised blood glucose levels and raised levels of blood pressure are detected and monitored.

One of the crucial tests is to examine the retina for any damage to the tiny blood vessels at the back of the eye and annually a specialised digital camera is used to photograph the retina so that corrective treatment can be provided if necessary to prevent any damage from getting any worse.

Until recently, the regular retinopathy clinics at Ludlow have had to rely on a portable camera system being brought down from Shrewsbury or Telford, but with increasing demand and the need for a more reliable and advanced system it was agreed that a new permanent installation should be provided at Ludlow.

The League of Friends has purchased the latest Canon system, at a cost of £10,195 and necessary furniture to make the system accessible to all able-bodied and disabled or bariatric patients.

Ludlow is the only Community Hospital in Shropshire to have a permanent camera installation.

“Carrying this equipment from location to location is never satisfactory, as it takes time to set up and damage may occur in transit and having this permanent base at Ludlow means that we can be certain that the kit will be in working order when we arrive for our regular clinics,” said Mike Williams of the retinotheraphy team at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust.

“Examining and photographing the retina is an essential part of the process of managing diabetes and gives clear indications of the effectiveness of current treatments.”

Attendance at the clinic is available by referral from the GP Practices.

"We are particularly grateful to the Rotary Club of Ludlow who contributed £3,000 from the 2015 Ludlow Fun Dog Day towards the cost of this equipment,” added Peter Corfield.

The League of Friends will be adding ophthalmic testing equipment for visual field testing and cataract detection, in addition to the ultrasound scanning equipment which is now located in Ludlow Hospital.

So far this year the league has pent of £94,000 on new equipment.