A kind donation from a renal unit patient has meant the team at Broomfield Hospital has been able to buy a brand new 'training arm'.

The training arm is a valuable aid for staff and patients to show how to prepare someone's arm for haemodialysis, which uses a machine to filter and clean blood if a patient's kidneys aren't working properly.

The arm has a realistic appearance and even has artificial blood, allowing ideal practice for trainees.

Patient John Gardiner, from Great Baddow, said: "I visit the renal unit twice a week and receive excellent care from the team there.

"For that reason, it was important to me that I, along with my masonic lodge, Three Banks No. 4557, supported the unit. Broomfield Hospital has become a favoured charity of choice for our lodge."

Practice nurse Gracy Kumar added: "The new arm has benefited the nurses so much but, more importantly, it has really helped our patients.

"We can't thank John and his lodge enough for their kind donation, which will continue to have a positive impact for many years to come."