PATIENTS can now enjoy a more comfortable stay in hospital thanks to the fund-raising efforts of the Friends of the Worcestershire Royal.

Members of the friends, who have been supporting the Worcester hospital since 1948, dropped in to deliver toiletry packs containing everyday essentials such as shampoo, soap and a toothbrush.

Chairman Eluned Smith said that the kits are intended to make stays more comfortable for patients who have arrived in hospital without the basic necessities.

“Some patients sadly have no relatives to bring in these comforting items to them,” she said.

The friends delivered 250 kits to the hospital last year and have just bought another 300.

Each kit handed out to patients contains a form explaining that they have been funded by the friends with an option to make a donation should they wish. The group is also planning to boost its coffers with a fund-raising jumble sale which will be held at the Old Library, Droitwich, on Friday, November 8.

Anyone wishing to sell can arrive to set up at 1pm, with the doors opening to buyers at 2.25pm.