A NEW minibus for patients at the regional spinal injuries centre in Salisbury was delivered on Thursday, following a successful fundraising appeal led by the Southern Spinal Injuries Trust (SSIT).

For the past two years the spinal centre has been without suitable transport for patients and as a result, excursions away from the hospital - which are an important part of the rehabilitation process – have been a challenge.

Now a wide range of recreational activities has been planned.

Among the outings on offer to patients will be a trip to Twickenham to see England vs Wales, a concert at City Hall in Salisbury, an outing to Mudeford for fish & chip supper, sailing in Ringwood and fishing in Downton.

SSIT Patron Geoff Holt said: “Being able to experience real life situations while still being cared for at the spinal centre is so important, but without suitable transport, it’s not easily done.

“You can’t put a price on the benefits that a new minibus will provide for patients undergoing long term hospital stays following a spinal cord injury.”