The remarkable efforts of our Hervey Bay and Maryborough Hospital Auxiliaries continue to have a meaningful impact across the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS).
In recent months, more than $40,000 was donated to support priority wish list items for wards and departments across both hospitals.
Hervey Bay Hospital children’s ward patients will now have more fun-filled distractions to make their stay brighter after the hospital auxiliary donated five PlayStation 5 gaming consoles and wireless controllers.
Nurse Unit Manager Stephanie Davidson said staff were extremely grateful for this donation which showed how committed the auxiliary was to enhancing patient comfort and supporting services beyond clinical care.
“For children and families facing difficult or stressful health experiences, access to interactive games and activities while in hospital can give them a welcome sense of normality,” she explained.
“It can reduce anxiety and help create a more positive hospital experience.”
Also on the receiving end of the Hospital Auxiliary’s generosity was the Fraser Coast Mental Health Inpatient Unit which received sporting and exercise equipment for inpatients.
Fraser Coast Mental Health Nurse Unit Manager Bryce Maguire appreciated the donation saying the much-needed equipment will improve staff engagement with those under their care and promote exercise to support their mental health.
“This donation has allowed staff to run activities like pickleball and outdoor bowling within the unit for a fun and non-confrontational approach,” he said.
“It’s also allowed individual and group-based activities on the ward which complements the role of our exercise physiologist and the multidisciplinary team.
“Our staff sincerely thank the Hospital Auxiliary for their generous donation and support.
“Their generosity will lead to significant improvement in physical health outcomes for those we care for and enhance engagement during their stay.”
This is just some of the work carried out by our hospital auxiliaries across the WBHHS. Their ongoing fundraising efforts support a wide range of patient-centred initiatives, equipment purchases and ward enhancements that may otherwise not be possible through standard funding pathways.
WBHHS Volunteer Coordinator, Kim Hanns said all hospital auxiliaries across the health service are a wonderful example of community spirit in action.
“Their volunteers continue to give their time, energy and compassion to support our patients, staff and health service,” she said.
“We thank them for their volunteer spirit and fundraising efforts that continue to leave a lasting and positive impact across our health service.
“We also thank our staff and the local community whose support in purchasing raffle tickets, handmade crafts, baked goods and other items lovingly prepared by auxiliary volunteers, makes it all possible.
“Every purchase helps to raise funds that are reinvested directly back into our hospitals and patient care services.”
Interested in volunteer opportunities?
If you’re interested in joining our fantastic team of volunteers you can talk to our volunteer coordinator on 07 4184 1862, or email WBHHS.Volunteers@health.qld.gov.au. More information is also available by visiting our website.