New-look Redcliffe Hospital Rehabilitation and Stroke Unit opens

A $200,000 upgrade of the Redcliffe Hospital Rehabilitation and Stroke Unit has been officially opened thanks to generosity of supporters of the Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital fundraising initiative.

The upgrade includes a refurbished dining room and garden courtyard for patients and their families, and transformed staff courtyard.

Former and present patients, hospital staff and Raise it for Redcliffe supporters gathered for the opening yesterday.

Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital is a partnership between Redcliffe Hospital and the RBWH Foundation, supported by the community and Impact Partners who match community donations.

Redcliffe Hospital Acting Director Louise O’Riordan says staff have wanted to improve patient experience in the unit’s indoor and outdoor spaces.

“This (dining room) is the one room that we really wanted to improve – getting patients out of bed, coming in and joining with other patients, really enhancing their experience. Thank you. You’ve made it happen,” she says.

“Redcliffe does benchmark extremely well with our rehab program … this refurbishment will help us to go beyond those benchmarks.”

Nurse Unit Manager Amelia Hadley says rehabilitation care is about reaching a patient’s goals and enabling them to return home as well and as mobile as possible.

“The dining room has allowed us to help people achieve this. Patients being able to move within the space, eat not in their room but in the dining space – as normal as possible within the hospital setting,” she says.

“People are wanting to participate (in games) and enjoy the space. Conversations are had, laughter is heard throughout the corridors and through the ward.

“The garden is bright and vibrant, often a place to now sit and relax for quiet time.

“The staff courtyard has had a positive impact. Staff members are able to gather together, tell their stories as a team or have a quiet moment to step back from a day’s busyness.”

Impact Partner Lewis Land Group (The Komo and Belvedere Hotels) has donated more than $150,000 in the past three years.

Perfect partnership

Lewis Land Group Queensland regional manager Chris Allison says partnering with Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital is a way the company can connect with and contribute to the community.

“As a business, we are in a position to be able to help to that extent. Not everyone else is, so we’re really proud of the fact that we’re able to make a difference. We really encourage anyone else at whatever level to contribute as well.

“If you’re able to contribute, then you should. It makes good business sense to be involved in your community but also, it’s the right thing to do.”

RBWH Foundation Fundraising Manager – Redcliffe Hospital Sharyn Tidswell is grateful to Redcliffe businesses for showing leadership in giving.

“Through their vision and generosity, our local leaders encourage others to give,” Sharyn says.

“Their inspirational philanthropy improves the lives of patients, now and into the future.”

RBWH Foundation has announced a date change for this year’s Redcliffe Hospital Giving Day, with the event moving from October to August.

“There will be so much to celebrate this year on Thursday, August 29 as Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital turns our focus to future fundraising projects, such as completion of the Palliative Care Unit renovation,” Sharyn says.

“We have also helped launch a significant research program within the hospital and continue to make an impact through our Wishlist Grants.”

Past and present Redcliffe Hospital Giving Day Impact Partners include Lewis Land Group (The Komo and The Belvedere), BallyCara, GKS Law, Crew Legal, Holistic Horizons Support Services, Dynamic Bradview Roofing, Norris Motor Group Redcliffe, My Care Enterprises, Redcliffe RSL and Sesame Lane; media partners 7NEWS, 99.7 Bridge FM and Moreton Daily; and other major supporters Dolphins NRL, Team Musicare, SchoolAid, the Rotary Club of Redcliffe Sunrise, City of Moreton Bay and Redcliffe Hospital staff.

For more information on how to donate or fundraise for Redcliffe Hospital Giving Day, visit www.raiseitforredcliffe.com.au or phone 1300 363 786.