A HOSPITAL charity says it is continuing to support the community despite the coronavirus lockdown.

The Friends of Braintree Hospital says it has handed out grants to various groups in recent weeks as it prepares to celebrate its tenth anniversary.

The group was set up in 2010 to support Braintree Community Hospital and give patients a platform to voice their views on health services.

Members have continued to meet online and hold discussions during the lockdown and have released funding for charities, including the Basics Essex Accident Rescue Services trust.

A spokesman for the Friends of Braintree Hospital said: “Although the Friends organisation is in lockdown, that has not stopped them meeting by Zoom and recently further grants were awarded to local charities to maintain their work.

“At a time when much needed money is critical, the Friends is proud to have been able to make grants which, over the ten years of their existence, now total in excess of £112,800.”

Since its launch, the charity has successfully campaigned for the retention of phlebotomy services in the district as well as a birthing unit.