A NUMBER of iPads and iPhones have been donated to a hospice so that patients can communicate with their loved ones during lockdown.

The East Ribble District Freemasons presented the East Lancashire Hospice with a cheque for £3,400 that has enabled bosses to buy the latest technology.

The iPads will be used by in-patients who are no longer able to have visitors, and the iPhones will enable the community team to work remotely and support patients during the ongoing crisis.

East Lancashire Hospice chief executive Lyn Stevenson said: “During this difficult time, we have had to change some of our services to ensure we are able to provide care to our most vulnerable patients.

“This has included restrictions on visiting our in-patient unit and basing some of our staff out in the community.

“We have had to close our retail shops and stop fundraising events in addition to most of our fundraising activities, and not surprisingly we have seen a huge drop in income.

“With all this in mind, and as a charity that relies on voluntary income, we are extremely grateful for the support of those who are able to provide it, so we are both grateful and delighted."