Hospital fundraiser passes $1.3 million

The remarkable generosity of Moreton Bay residents has been revealed at the fifth birthday celebrations of Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital.

More than $1.3 million has been raised over the past five years by the fundraiser, which is an initiative of the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) Foundation.

That has helped deliver 76 Redcliffe Hospital projects of "hope and healing for patients at every stage of their life".

RBWH Foundation Chief Finance and Impact Officer Hayley Caton pledged ongoing support for the partnership.

“Thank you to the Moreton Bay community for your commitment and for creating a legacy of impact for the people that you love,” said Ms Caton.

Last week’s birthday celebration at The Komo featured a showcase of projects funded over the past five years. They included:

Picture gallery - click through

• ‘Forgotten Fathers’ research, investigating trauma during childbirth complications
• Renovation projects and activities which promote staff wellness
• Support of Eat Walk Engage, a program reducing the risk of delirium in older patients
• Medical equipment for maternity and premature baby care

Clinical Director Dr Patty Lee-Apostol outlined the impact of Palliative Care Unit renovations on patients and their loved ones.

“We've had families and patients say, ‘Wow, it looks like a holiday home. I don't feel like I'm in hospital’,” said Dr Lee-Apostol.

“A lot of patients are so frail they could never have another vacation or holiday, so for them to have that space, be able to forget for a few minutes or a few hours they're in hospital, to be able to spend quality time with their friends, family, pets - that's invaluable.”

Speakers included Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital Impact Partner and business owner Shane Crew, of Crew Legal.

Crew Legal’s Spring Gala Ball recently raised $40,000 towards the purchase of a Babyroo neonatal warmer for sick and premature babies.

“We want to leave a positive footprint in our community,” said Shane. “The hospital is the most important institution we have in our community.

“We've seen firsthand where the funds have gone. We've toured the hospital, we've seen the Rehabilitation Unit, the Palliative Care Unit and we thank hospital staff members for everything they do.”

Crew Legal has committed to raising a final $12,000 needed to buy the Babyroo before Christmas.

The power of giving was summed up by Redcliffe Hospital Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services Keith Von Dohren.

“I see the impact, every day, on families and loved ones in times of absolute critical change in a patient’s life - you cannot underestimate how much that has helped our community,” Mr Von Dohren said.

“You help us deliver the care we want to deliver.”

Crucial donations for the Redcliffe Hospital Babyroo for sick and premature babies can be made at https://bit.ly/RedcliffeBabyro...

For more about Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital, go to raiseitforredcliffe.com.au