All systems go thanks to grant

FREEMASONS have awarded a grant of £10,000 towards the cost of installing a new IT system at East Cheshire Hospice.

The secure network known as emisWeb means that patient records are now linked with local GP practices.

A major advantage of the technology is that patients no longer need to repeat their medical history on admission to either the inpatient unit or the Sunflower Centre, the hospice’s day care facility.

Healthcare professionals can access the background information improving the end-of-life experience for patients, their families and the medical experts supporting them.

The hospice was one of two beneficiaries after an application to the new Cheshire Freemasons Charity Hospice Grant Scheme. A cheque was presented by Colin Ross, Provincial Grand Charity Steward and Robert Bramley, Deputy Grand Superintendent of the Province of Cheshire.

Mr Bramley said: “We get many more requests for funds than we could ever meet, but there was something about this particular project that made our trustees think that, with £10,000, East Cheshire Hospice patients could benefit from this innovation for years to come.

“It’s a little known fact that as a network, Freemasons are one of the largest donors to charity in the UK and internationally.

“We particularly like to help hospices because of all the great work they do in supporting not just patients but their family and friends.” MACCLESFIELD-based KAT UK, a market leader in the manufacture of specialist windows and door systems, have recently extended their use of Thorneycroft Solicitors employment law retainer service.