Sir, – I wanted to take this opportunity to thank your readers and everyone who has supported the MRI Scanner Appeal at the Friarage Hospital - our dedicated fundraising appeal organised through South Tees Hospitals Charity in partnership with the Friends of the Friarage Hospital.

I’m delighted to say more than £1million has been pledged, so we’re more than half way towards reaching our £2 million target and bringing this essential piece of medical equipment to the hospital.

MRI scanners are increasingly used to diagnose a wide range of health conditions, so not only will this be a valuable resource for the medical teams at the Friarage, it will also save thousands of North Yorkshire residents travelling to other hospitals to have their scans.

It is disappointing, at times, to hear some of the myths and rumour circulating about the scanner including it’s going to be housed at The James Cook University Hospital or that the Friarage is getting a second-hand one.

I would like to reassure everyone that this appeal is purely for the Friarage Hospital which remains an integral part of our organisation. We, as a trust, are committed to its overall future and the hospital’s role in providing healthcare services to the people of Hambleton and Richmondshire.

Having a new scanner will also help to ensure our diagnostic services can meet future growing demand and allow us to increase our diagnostic and research capacity, which is good news for patients.

Once again, a massive thank you to the charities team, the Friends of the Friarage and all the staff and community who have been involved and supported this appeal so far.

We’ve still got some way to go but there are plenty of events coming up and we will keep people posted on how the appeal is doing. If you are interest in supporting us there are a number of ways to do so:

Donate online at www.justgiving.com/FriarageMRIscannerappeal or contact the Friends of the Friarage Hospital on 01609-762013 or South Tees Hospital Charity appeal office on 01609-764936.

PROF TRICIA HART

Chief executive, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.