Lorna Coyle, Ward manager, receives cheque from Dorothy Cox on behalf of the Lions Club

Relatives of patients who have suffered heart attacks will be given a more comfortable waiting area in The Essex Cardiothoracic Centre (CTC) at Basildon University Hospital, thanks to a donation from the Thurrock Lions Club.

The club decided to raise funds for The CTC after one of their members received treatment for a heart attack. Last week (Thursday 14 June) Mrs Dorothy Cox presented a cheque for £500 to staff on Roding Ward, where emergency cases arrive by ambulance from across the east of England.

Mrs Cox, 66, from Grays, was admitted to the ward in October 2010. She had a stent fitted, and has since made a good recovery.

Her husband Dominic, treasurer of the club, said: "Dorothy received really good treatment from everyone at the ECTC, from the initial paramedic to the cardiac rehab team. This donation is our way of putting something back which, hopefully, will make things a bit more comfortable for relatives of those who have suffered a similar trauma."

The money will be spent on improvements such as new furnishings and tea and coffee making facilities.

Lorna Coyle, Ward Manager on Roding Ward, said: "Because many patients arrive here as emergency cases, it is a very anxious time for their relatives. Making the waiting area more welcoming and comfortable could help to ease their stress, and we are very grateful to the Lions Club for this very helpful donation."