TODAY The Evening Star introduces to our readers the magic number for this Christmas.

TODAY The Evening Star introduces to our readers the magic number for this Christmas.

We need you to remember 977 - and use it to help thousands of Ipswich hospital patients,

The digits are the dividend number dedicated by the East of England Co-operative Society to support Lifesaver: Evening Star Christmas Appeal 2006.

We are trying to raise £22,000 to buy a cardiac ultrasound machine for the hospital's accident and emergency department and have received a massive boost today as the society adds its support.

The society's communications and community manager, Miriam Harrup, said: “We are delighted to be able to help the Star's appeal to raise money for such an important cause.

“We know how crucial the equipment will be to the hospital staff and its patients. We hope our members will give as much support as they can.”

Last year, a thumping £5,000 donation from the Co-op's dividend appeal meant we smashed the £30,000 to resurface and revamp the play area for the children's wards at the hospital.

Co-op members can quote 977 and their own number, or use their dividend card, at the till. The dividend payable on the purchase will be donated to the appeal.

Andrew Reed, chief executive of Ipswich Hospital, has spoken of his gratitude.

He said: “As you well know it has been a tough year for us, and it will be a great boost to staff to know that The Star has so much support for the care we offer our patients.

“I am sure the appeal for the scanner in A&E will be a great success, and that many patients will benefit from the generosity of your readers and the community at large.”

Weblinks:

www.toshibamedicalsystems.com

www.ipswichhospital.org.uk

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Have the accident and emergency team at Ipswich Hospital helped you? Write and tell us your stories via Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

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If you would like to support the appeal, send cheques made out to Lifesaver: Evening Star Christmas Appeal 2006, to 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1AN.

OUR Lifesaver: Evening Star Christmas Appeal 2006 aims to raise £22,000 for a cardiac ultrasound machine for Ipswich Hospital's accident and emergency department.

The machine quickly helps doctors diagnose acute cardiac conditions, including heart failure, and is expected to help around 1,000 people every year.

Currently, the hospital relies on older technology such as x-rays. It has other ultrasound machines in the radiology department but often A&E patients need a scan immediately and the new machine will be on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

The state-of-the-art machine can also do other ultrasound scans besides those for the heart.

We aim to reach the £22,000 target by mid January next year.