DELIGHTED medical chiefs have taken delivery of vital new equipment to help people suffering from major health problems.

The Friends of Northallerton’s Friarage Hospital have presented £120,000 worth of the latest hi-tech gear to benefit urology patients being treated there.

The new flexible video cystoscopes will be used in operating theatres to provide higher quality images and improve diagnostic procedures for bladder cancer patients and patients undergoing investigations.

And a new video flexible ureterorenoscope will be useful in diagnosing and treating certain types of kidney cancers and kidney stones and avoid patients having more complex surgery in some cases.

More hospital staff will also be trained to use the equipment - helping to increase the number of urology procedures carried out and decrease waiting times.

Consultant urologists Raj Gowda and Alaiyi West were joined by Friends chairman Steve Lamb and hospital staff at the presentation.

Mr Gowda said: “I am delighted that we have this new equipment which will help us to take the urology service to the next dimension enhancing the service we provide to patients at the Friarage and further afield.

“It really is amazing the support received from local people for the hospital and I would like to thank the Friends for their magnificent efforts on our behalf and everyone who supported them”

Mr Lamb said: “As always the volunteers and the local people who generously support us have pulled out all the stops to raise this huge amount to help their local hospital.

“I am proud of their efforts and glad we can make a difference and help the Friarage, its dedicated staff and ultimately the patients by making sure they benefit from the latest technology available.”