A group of volunteers have donated more than half a million pounds to fund a new x-ray machine and refurbished x-ray suite for a community hospital.

Leatherhead Hospital’s League of Friends – a group of volunteers set up to fund equipment and facilities at the hospital in Forty Foot Road – is funding the project.

The digital x-ray machine will replace the existing analogue equipment, provide a more comprehensive radiography service to be provided at the hospital and enable more people to receive an x-ray in Leatherhead.

The refurbished x-ray suite is set to open in July. While improvement work takes place, a temporary x-ray facility will be set up so patients can continue to access x-ray services.

Audrey Mellers, chairperson of the League of Friends, said: “We are delighted that the new x-ray unit that we are funding, to the tune of over half a million pounds, is due to open at the beginning of July.”

Surrey Downs Clinical Commissioning Group buys x-ray services at Leatherhead Hospital, which are run by Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Dr Claire Fuller, clinical chairperson of Surrey Downs CCG, said: “We’re very pleased to support this enhanced service for local patients and are delighted that the long-standing tradition of the League of Friends supporting Leatherhead Hospital will continue.

“The new equipment will help improve an important service for the local community.”

Got a story? Get in touch at craig.richard@london.newsquest.co.uk