AN East Hampshire charity that provides care for people with life-limiting illness has been given a time-saving technological boost that will help staff focus on patients.

The Rosemary Foundation, based in Langrish, near Petersfield, has improved its internet access with superfast broadband thanks to a £1,000 grant from East Hampshire district councillor Nick Drew.

The improvements have helped with administration and record gathering and, in the view of manager Jeremy Mitchell, has saved staff half a day per week.

Mr Mitchell said: “It’s increased our broadband speed 10-fold and is proving absolutely invaluable. It’s really speeding up our day-to-day work and, in turn, that gives our staff more time to do other vital work.”

And he added: “We previously had an unreliable connection which would occasionally drop out altogether. The new internet access has improved productivity. It’s made an enormous difference.”

The Rosemary Foundation provides a hospice-at-home service in Petersfield and the surrounding towns and villages for patients in the later stages of life-limiting conditions.

This service offers practical help, nursing care, emotional and counselling support, together with a day and night-sitting service, and trained nurses available 24 hours a day. Support continues through the first year of bereavement, and beyond if required.

“In helping improve their day-to-day lives in this simple way we are helping their talented staff improve the day-to-day lives of patients in a really significant, meaningful way by providing amazing care to local people,” said Mr Drew.

The grant scheme gives councillors £4,500 to spend on projects or initiatives within their area.