Patients can now relax in greater comfort as they prepare to leave hospital after Walsall Healthcare’s charity Well Wishers funded five luxury chairs.

Five recliners costing around £5,000 are now taking pride of place in the Discharge Lounge for patients at Walsall Manor Hospital, thanks to the efforts of the charity.

Patients visit the Discharge Lounge after leaving the wards and are waiting for the next stage of their journey – either to a rehabilitation unit, home or return to care.

And some didn’t waste any time getting comfortable on the new furniture as they waited for transport to take them on the next port of call.

Patient Adrian Evans, 46, has multiple conditions and is a regular patient at Walsall Manor. The father of one runs an electrical contracting firm in Cannock where he lives and was waiting to be taken home.

He said: “Because of my condition, I tend to lean to one side when I sit, so it’s nice to see the arms of these chairs are soft. These new ones are very welcome.

“This is my local hospital – my life has been saved multiple times after sepsis and infections and the care here is fantastic, phenomenal.”

Keith Davey, 84, a retired traffic police officer, was waiting for an ambulance to take him to Hollybank House Stroke Rehabilitation Unit after recovering from a broken left hip.

The grandfather of two, who lives in Burntwood, decided to take the load off his feet as he waited to be transferred and was delighted with the new chairs.

“It’s really comfortable – very supportive and it feels lovely,” said Keith. “It’s great that the charity has provided this, above and beyond what the NHS does and I feel well looked after.”

Grateful Amy Kaur, Sister in the Discharge Lounge, said: “It’s fantastic that we’ve got these new chairs – we’re very grateful to Well Wishers and we thank them very much because they’ve already made such a difference.

“The patients are far more comfortable and settled, and as a result, they are happier and it’s good for their wellbeing.”

Well Wishers is also funding daily newspapers for patients to read in the Discharge Lounge.

Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager, said: “These new chairs were paid for directly from proceeds from the Fundraising Hub in the main atrium of the Manor Hospital, from the sales of books, jigsaws and knitted goods.

“We were therefore delighted that this money has been put to such good use by the Discharge Lounge and that patients are benefitting and thank everyone who visits and support the Hub.”