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

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

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: “The new bariatric leg supports will allow the surgeon and other theatre staff to safely and easily move patients into the required position for their procedure.

“They will support patients up to a weight of 364kg, and we’d like to thank the Friends of Airedale for their generous donation.”

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