The small things can make a big difference to patients during a stay in hospital – and you can now play a part in providing these by supporting a new appeal.

Raise, the charity for hospitals in west Hertfordshire, is asking people to show their love for their local NHS by supporting its new West Herts Hospitals Appeal.

The appeal aims to raise money to directly help patients at Watford General, St Albans City and Hemel Hempstead hospitals.

Items such as DAB radios to entertain isolated patients, fold-out overnight chairs for relatives wishing to stay alongside their loved ones, and improved wall décor to make wards warmer and more homely are on the charity’s wish list. These are particularly important for patients whose illness or disease means they need lengthier care and treatment.

To find out more, call 07815 459037 or visit Raise’s website at raisewestherts.org.uk/appeals/west-herts-appeal/

Charity CEO Samantha Sherratt said: “We want patients to be as comfortable as possible when in hospital and often it’s the little things that make all the difference.

“Donations could help pay for something big – like a special piece of equipment or the refurbishment of a bereavement room. Equally donations could help fund small comforts, such as special clocks for patients with dementia, activities for poorly children or wellbeing support for hard-working staff.

“Whatever the need, with the West Herts Hospitals Appeal, we can help by working together”.

Chief nurse Tracey Carter said: “Charitable donations already make such a difference, but there's so much more we can do. Will you support our new appeal so that we are able to help patients when they need it most?”