IT is rare that hospitals get the praise they so often deserve – which is why when readers write to these pages commending the work of doctors, nurses and staff at Swindon’s Great Westrn Hospital after surgery or treatment, we are quick to publish them, so that those doctors, nurses and staff, as well as our other readers, are aware their skills and care are appreciated.

And we are happy to report today that the GWH is embarking on and is involved in a major campaign that will make a difference to the lives of up to 150 women a year in Swindon.

The hospital would be one of just five in the country – and the only one in the south west – offering intra-operative radiotherapy for breast cancer, which means treating areas affected by breast cancer while still in the operating theatre.

This is a trial that is part of an international study and has so many benefits for patients and should go a long way to transforming their lives.

Of course, such a trial doesn’t come cheap and the hospital’s NHS Foundation Trust has brought in its charity, Brighter Futures, to lead a campaign to raise £75,000 to pay for a year’s worth of treatment.

It’s a lot of money, but we don’t doubt the generosity of the people of Swindon combined with the charity’s expertise will help to raise the cash.

This is an exciting development for the hospital and it deserves the support of the town and its people.