Doctors will be giving patients at Falmouth Hospital a different kind of tablet thanks to a donation from customers and staff at Sainsbury’s.

The minor injuries unit at the hospital was presented with a Samsung Galaxy Tab and a children’s LeapPad, along with a range of accessories, which will be used to keep patients calm or to distract them during examination and treatment, a tactic that is especially useful for younger visitors.

Sainsbury’s store manager Rob Walker, along with Sharon Martin, who was the driving force behind the fundraising, and colleague Sarah MacQueen visited the hospital to give the tablets to Sarah Sercombe, the nurse who wrote a letter requesting Sainsbury’s support, and her colleague Ann Hatton.

Sarah said: “After seeing how modern technology can be used to distract frightened patients and make their experience better, especially in the |case of children, I thought |it would be great to |have something in the department.

“I have always been |told that ‘if you don’t ask, you don’t get’ so I wrote a letter to Rob. It was lovely that the local community pulled together to respond to our request and we |are very grateful to have their support.”

Rob Walker said: “I’m really proud of the team, the colleagues at the store, and I think it shows the generosity of the staff |and customers.

“It’s fantastic to be able to do something for the local community. It’s good to be able to respond to requests like this when we get them.”