A MEDICAL resource centre in Barnstaple could close due to a lack of volunteers, the

Journal

has learned.

The British Red Cross Medical Equipment centre, located at Roundswell Business Park, loans various pieces of equipment free of charge to people in the area.

Items available to patients include wheelchairs, crutches, commodes and sit-down shower facilities.

However, unless more volunteers come forward to help staff the centre, it may be forced to close.

Service co-ordinator Jason Garner said: "Unfortunately a couple of our volunteers have left recently and, despite an appeal last year, we are extremely short staffed.

"Our centre loaned 150 items during 2009, and our volunteers deal with customers both face-to-face and over the telephone.

"The centre is opening just two mornings a week and while a regular weekly commitment would be appreciated, just a few hours a month would be helpful."

One person helped recently by the service was 12-year-old Ella Fisher, from Braunton.

Ella broke her leg skateboarding while staying at her grandparents' house in Basingstoke over Christmas.

She spent over a week in hospital and it was there that the physiotherapists suggested that Ella's parents contact the Red Cross to borrow a wheelchair.

Ella's mother, Zida, says the chair was an "absolute god-send" because it allowed Ella to get out and about with her friends and even allowed her outside to enjoy the snow in January.

She said: "The service was fantastic.

"The Red Cross staff were really good with Ella and actually taught her how to use the chair properly.

"It was also great that it was such a local service."

All the Red Cross equipment is available free of charge although a donation is always sought.

Sarah Wilcox, of the South West Red Cross volunteer support service, said: "The centre offers such a wide range of equipment.

"It's a very well used service in Barnstaple and it would be a great shame for everyone if the centre were forced to close.

"Volunteers need to enjoy meeting members of the public and be sympathetic to people facing a crisis in their lives.

"Volunteers also have the opportunity to become part of the British Red Cross Emergency Response Teams."

For more information or to volunteer phone Jessica Meale on 0845 054 7111.