A NEW machine which treats debilitating skin conditions has been installed at Borders General Hospital – thanks to a group of fundraisers.

The Friends of the BGH helped rack-up more than £23,000 to buy the PUVA machine which is used for eczema, psoriasis and lymphoma.

Before the installation, NHS Borders was the only mainland trust not to have the ultraviolet light apparatus, meaning patients were forced to travel to Edinburgh for treatment.

Dr Simone Laube, consultant dermatologist at NHS Borders: "Having this treatment available locally will mean Borders patients are provided with a full range of treatment options and the effects of the treatment can be life changing and in some cases, life saving.

"We are therefore extraordinarily grateful to the Friends of the BGH for fundraising to support this invaluable and worthwhile treatment for our Borders patients."

In April the Friends of the BGH also helped raise funds for nine Lifecard machines for the hospital's physiological measurement department – costing more than £10,000.

Austin Ramage, lead clinical physiologist said: "These devices are widely used and integral to assessing Borders patients for heart rhythm issues and these additional devices are absolutely vital to the service as we move forward.

"Thanks go to the Friends of the BGH and all those who have participated in the fundraising activities for these devices."

James Majoribanks, chairman of the Friends of the BGH group added: "The Friends of the BGH has been donating equipment etc for the benefit of our local hospital for many, many years and we are grateful for the many fundraising events which take place all over the Borders during the year.

"We are currently raising money for a bladder scanner in Ward 9, which again will be an immense help to the patients and nurses in that ward.

"We are always looking for volunteers to help us raise money for the BGH and would welcome anyone wishing to volunteer to join the committee.

"Please contact me at jym@hoggandthorburn.co.uk if you wish to help and if you wish to donate, please go to www.justgiving.com/friendsofbgh."