Carmarthenshire patients will get a boost after £30,000 of donations were spent on a new scanner.

The recent purchase for Prince Phillip Hospital, a portable vascular scanner worth £30,000, was made possible thanks to the combined resources of Hywel Dda Health Charities and the Llanelli and District League of Hospital Friends.

This new equipment is a godsend for patients suffering from vascular disorders like varicose veins. By providing access to the vascular foam sclerotherapy service at Prince Philip Hospital, it eliminates the need for patients to go to Swansea Bay for treatments.

Service delivery manager – Ear, Nose and Throat & General Surgery, Caroline Lewis, said: "We are so pleased with the new equipment which will enable us to provide treatment locally.

"The scanner will greatly improve the patient experience, using modern techniques that prevent the need for anaesthetics and a prolonged recovery for the patient."

Martin Davies, chairperson of the Llanelli and District League of Hospital Friends, said: "The League of Friends has supported Prince Philip Hospital for over 50 years by providing funding for equipment that improves the services that the staff can give the patients to enhance their stay.

"We were approached to contribute towards the cost of the Vascular Scanner and had no hesitation in donating £10,000 towards the total cost.

"Recognition should also be paid to the people of Llanelli and the wider region for their continuing generosity in donations to support their local hospital.”

Nicola Llewelyn, head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, added: "The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”