A DUDLEY man's generosity will improve treatment for respiratory patients at Russells Hall Hospital, all in memory of his late wife.

Michael Bullen, from Oakham, has donated £8,000 to the hospital for the development of a new procedure room on ward C5 to care for patients with respiratory conditions.

Mr Bullen’s wife Liz was treated on the ward before her death on June 1 last year. The pair had been married for 53 years.

In memory of Liz and as a thank you to the ward and staff who treated her, he asked how he could help.

Mr Bullen explained: "The two words that come to mind about Russells Hall Hospital are care and compassion.

"Everyone, from the staff in ED to on the ward and in the high dependency unit, were absolutely brilliant. They fought to do everything they could and were so kind and generous.

“They told you what was happening and put you at ease. I have nothing but praise for the hospital – the people of Dudley should be on their knees thanking God that we have such a capable place as this.”

The new procedure room was officially opened by chair of The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust Jenni Ord; Mr Bullen; specialist respiratory consultant Dr Mazhar Chaudri and C5 lead nurse Sue Jay.

The new room means patients can now have chest drains fitted and go home the same day with their condition managed in the community.

Mr Bullen chose to fund the room after being told in passing by Mr Chaudri that he was hoping to repurpose a storage room as a treatment room.

Mr Bullen’s donation covered the costs of the room with some left over for equipment such as vein finders for the ward.

The new ward can also be used to take fluids for diagnostics, and serve as a private space in which to talk to patients and their families.

Lead nurse Sue Jay said: "We were absolutely amazed and so grateful. This will make a huge difference to the treatment of patients.”