School choir members surprised hospital staff and presented them with an ultrasound scanner worth £28,000 last week.

Representatives from 13 school choirs took part in the surprise presentation at Epsom Hospital's maternity department on Tuesday, May 19.

The choirs, along with some adult choirs, had helped to raise enough money to buy the scanner by taking it in turns to sing at the Ashley Centre in Epsom.

Consultant gynaecologist Dr Radhika Viswanatha was taken by surprise and thanked Epsom Medical Equipment Fund and the children who she described as "the real heroes".

Dr Viswanatha said: "The maternity department is overwhelmed with the arrival of the new sonosite portable machine which will help us provide the high quality care that our patients deserve."

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Bess Harding, co-ordinator of the Epsom Medical Equipment Fund, said: "Dr Viswanatha had approached us for funds for the new scanner, and as usual, we were more than happy to help.

"This time though, we wanted to make the presentation an extra special event, and thought it would be wonderful to invite some representatives from the choirs who helped us to raise funds, and staff from the Ashley Centre in Epsom, who allowed us to host our fundraising sing-a-longs.

"It was great to be able to surprise the staff of Epsom Hospital in this way, and we hope that the gift of this ultrasound equipment will be of great benefit to our patients and staff."

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