A NORTH-EAST specialist baby and children's hospice now has vital oxygen therapy equipment thanks to a donation by medical gas and services provider Air Products.

Ze's Place, in Normanby, Middlesbrough, needed an oxygen concentrator, a machine that produces oxygen for patients with breathing difficulties.

And when pharmacist and vice-chairman of Guisborough and District Round Table Peter Milburn found out, he immediately contacted Dave Craggs at the firm.

Mr Milburn said: "I realised that an oxygen concentrator would be better for the hospice than oxygen cylinders, so I contacted Air Products, who have been supplying this equipment in the region for more than a decade. They even provided smaller masks especially designed for children and a low flowmeter that needs to be fitted to the machine when used by very small children and babies."

The equipment, worth about £2,000, can be used to treat patients with conditions such as cystic fibrosis or to support babies with under-developed lungs. It provides oxygen via a mask or cannula and is a practical solution where patients need a continuous oxygen flow.

The donation follows a contribution of £3,500 by Mr Milburn and his colleagues at the Round Table raised through a sponsored walk and other activities.

Mark Guidery, general manager at Ze's Place, said: "The concentrator is a vital piece of equipment that can help alleviate some of the symptoms our patients experience. We are extremely grateful to Air Products and the Round Table for their support."

Ian Buckle, from Air Products, said: "We wish Ze's Place the very best in providing such a valuable service and in helping the children in its care live life to the full."