Nathan’s Giving Day appeal

Clinical nurse Nathan Andrew has seen firsthand how Redcliffe Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit has been transformed by the community.

Nathan has dedicated 25 years to the hospital - 20 in palliative care - and urges everyone to support Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital Giving Day on Thursday May 21.

Every donation made until Giving Day will be doubled by Impact Partners, helping patient comfort, staff wellbeing, medical research and families.

“Do it,” Nathan said, “what you give today will make a difference when it matters most.”

“I’ve always believed every patient and family deserves comfort and dignity at end-of-life.

“You see the weight lift off people’s shoulders when they come into our care. We support the whole family, not just the patient.”

Over two decades, Nathan has seen the palliative care unit transformed by generous donations into a more welcoming and supportive space.

“Now families can come together; kids have a place to play, and people can just be together, which makes such a difference,” he said.

“The improved spaces allow families to create meaningful moments, even in the toughest times.”

Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital Manager Sharyn Tidswell said: “These are the moments people never forget.

“The tough goodbyes, the time spent together, and the care and support when it matters most.

“Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital Giving Day is an opportunity for our community to come together and help raise comfort, raise dignity and raise what matters most.”

Nathan said the impact of donations reached far beyond a single patient with the unit caring for “around 500 patients each year, and over time that’s thousands of families supported”.

“This isn’t just helping one person, it’s helping our whole community, now and into the future,” he said.

Nathan’s daughter Kate has begun her own career in palliative care, inspired by her father.

“From a young age, I always looked up to Dad - making a difference in people’s lives and being part of their story,” Kate said.

Her passion was cemented during a clinical placement, leading her to follow the same path.

“Palliative care is a privilege to work in,” Nathan said. “Knowing Kate has chosen it because she wants to make a difference for patients and their families makes me incredibly proud.”

Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital is an initiative of the RBWH Foundation in partnership with Redcliffe Hospital. All funds raised support Redcliffe Hospital.