The challenges of raising vital funds for hospitals during the past two years was the common theme in reports delivered by the Hunter's auxiliaries at a forum held in Nelson Bay recently.
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Hospital auxiliary volunteers from Belmont, Newcastle, Singleton and Gloucester were hosted by the Tomaree group at the beginning of April for a regional forum that outlined each branch's activities during the past year.
Most of the attending branches reported that it had lost volunteers and struggled to raise funds during COVID-19. However, bucking the trend, the Tomaree auxiliary reported that it has recruited eight new members since 2020, swelling the ranks of its 42 member base.
"Fundraising has been difficult and patchy over the past two years," the Tomaree auxiliary reported, outlining that $3000 raised through Brickfest at Anna Bay in January and cash collected through Return and Earn had boosted its fundraising which had to virtually stop in 2020.
"Through this, we have continued to be able to support our hospital despite COVID-19. We were able to buy over $55,000 worth of equipment between September 2019 and July 2021.
"This has included privacy curtains for the wards, a baby feeding chair, seat cushions and pump, photography splashback in the main reception area, a purpose-built remote alarm, two cordless floor mats, picnic tables and chairs for outside, a wall mural for children in A&E, nurses station furniture, pharmacy and triage room shelving, a desk and four patient transfer chairs."
The Tomaree auxiliary will work with Rotary to establish a tranquility garden to the rear of the hospital, a project worth $50,000.
Hunter New England Health has praised the auxiliaries for its continued support of hospitals in the region.
"Our hospital auxiliary and volunteer groups go above and beyond in creating a comfortable environment for those seeking care," a spokesperson said.
"Through their help, we've been able to purchase state-of-the-art medical equipment and improve the patient experience. We're thankful for the generosity of our community and the hard work of these groups to enhance our existing services."
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