PATIENTS of Bicester Community Hospital who have restricted mobility will now use a specially adapted van when discharged from the hospital thanks to Bicester Community Hospital League of Friends (LOF).

The vehicle, which replaces an older one previously donated by the LOF, will be used for transporting patients with restricted mobility to their own homes for an in-home assessment.

Bicester Community Hospital received the van from LOF at a ceremony where Mayor Jason Slaymaker and Oxfordshire County Council Chairman, Les Sibley attended.

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Representatives from the NHS, Bicester Community hospital staff and members of the LOF also attended the ceremony which took place on June 20 at the hospital.

The van is adapted to include an electric winch, which enables the wheelchair bound patient to be assisted into the vehicle easily, via a ramp.

Patients due to be discharged are taken to their own homes accompanied by a member of the Therapy Team.

An assessment is carried out as to what aids they need and arrangements are then made for them to be implemented before the patient returns home.

Wendy Wright, chairman of LOF, said: "The League of Friends work hard to support Bicester Community Hospital by fundraising to supply equipment not provided by the NHS."