EIGHTEEN new television sets have been bought for Sidmouth Victoria Hospital patients to ensure a smooth transition to the digital age in April. Sidmouth Victoria Hospital Comforts Fund bought the new sets for �3,900 from C & C Electrical, Sidmouth.

EIGHTEEN new television sets have been bought for Sidmouth Victoria Hospital patients to ensure a smooth transition to the digital age in April.

Sidmouth Victoria Hospital Comforts Fund bought the new sets for �3,900 from C & C Electrical, Sidmouth.

Graham Vincent, fund chairman, who handed them over to matron Emma Bagwell last Thursday, said: "The Comforts Fund likes to use local suppliers for the installation and purchase of equipment as well as using local tradesmen and builders for major projects."

With him for the handover was the fund's committee. Mr Vincent said: "The televisions there we supplied when we did Phase Four [improvements] two years ago. We supplied TVs for all the rooms and previously supplied sets for the hospital, so it seems right and fair, now digital is here, we should provide new sets for the changeover."

The fund has spent "hundreds of thousands of pounds" on equipment and apparatus over the years.

"We are happy to do so and can only do it because we have such wonderful people in the town who support us," said Mr Vincent.

The fund committee is waiting for evaluation drawings for Phase Five of a project which was started in 1990 to upgrade and improve the hospital buildings and facilities.

A new theatre was built in Phase One, new X-ray facilities provided in Phase Two and Phase Three saw the demolition of the old Nightingale Wards and one, two and four-bedded ensuite wards built together with new lounge, dining room and nurses station.

The latest phase, completed two years ago, saw Mallinson Unit demolished and eight single and one double ensuite rooms provided, as well as seven consultants' rooms and interview room for nurses.

"The fifth phase will see the flat-roofed physiotherapy building demolished and new kitchen built," said Mr Vincent.

"A modern physio unit will be built where the present entrance is and the new entrance will be located where the present kitchens are."

Examination rooms and consulting areas will be incorporated in the structure, enabling patients to have consultations in Sidmouth rather than travel to Exeter.

The first four phases of work cost the fund around �4million. The new phase is expected to cost �2million.