Rallying call to Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital

Photo: Supporters take a look at work underway in the Palliative Care Unit as a result of previous Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital fundraising campaigns.

Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital has funded almost 70 initiatives at the hospital since it started in 2020 and organisers are calling on residents and businesses to back this year’s Giving Day so more work can be done.

Giving Day, on June 11, aims to raise $200,000 through donations which will be doubled thanks to the appeal’s Impact Partners - Lewis Land, Crew Legal, Sesame Lane, GKS Law and BallyCara.

Redcliffe Hospital Fundraising Manager Sharyn Tidswell says extraordinary community generosity has raised more than $1 million, paying for hospital renovations, research programs, and frontline worker support.

Work has recently started on renovating the Palliative Care Unit’s lounge area, effectively doubling its size by combining a sunroom with existing living space and adding a kitchenette.

Stage two of the work will revamp the adjoining courtyard area, giving families a pleasant outdoor area to enjoy precious moments.

Redcliffe Hospital Executive Director Cang Dang welcomed the renovations and commitment to making the unit more contemporary and fit for purpose.

Jenny Crook, whose husband David spent his final moments in the unit, praised the care he received and toured the worksite with their daughter Alexandra.

Sharyn says this year’s appeal will fund refurbishment of two single rooms in the Palliative Care Unit, while advancing patient care, life-changing research and staff wellbeing at Redcliffe Hospital.

“Thanks to funds raised over the previous four years to ‘bring a touch of home’ to Redcliffe Hospital’s Palliative Care lounge, sunroom and garden courtyard, now we want to refurbish all single rooms in the Palliative Care Unit to make them more comforting spaces at the end of life,” Sharyn explains.

“A pilot room has already been completed through the support of Redcliffe Hospital Auxiliary and REDDY Fun & Fitness staff-led initiative.

“We need to raise funds for a makeover of two single rooms at a cost of $60,000 each including fit-out.

“The Palliative Care Unit provides quality care and comfort to around 600 patients a year plus their families. Without donated funds, these refurbishments would not be possible.

“This is what happens when a community comes together for the good of others. To every person, business, community group or school who has supported Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital – and on behalf of every child, family or older Australian who has received care at Redcliffe Hospital – thank you for the good you share.”

Sharyn is encouraging locals and businesses to donate and fundraise in the lead-up to the event and on the day.

Visit raiseitforredcliffe.com.au for more information

Projects already funded

• Three Stroke and Rehabilitation Unit renovation projects

• Two Palliative Care Unit renovation projects

• Children’s Ward playroom and parents’ lounge renovation (starting soon)

• One Senior Nursing Researcher position

• 11+ Research Internship positions

• Children and families grants

• Equipment including neonatal monitors

• Wishlist Grants including breastfeeding night lights for new mothers, virtual reality goggles to calm injured children, clothing for elderly patients, and a recliner chair for heart failure patients.

Reddy Fun Run

The Reddy Fun Run/Walk is on June 22 and will raise money for Redcliffe Hospital Auxiliary which funds equipment and initiatives to improve patient care.

It will start and finish at Clontarf’s Pelican Park, with distances to suit participants of varying fitness levels including 21km run, 10km run, 10km walk, 5km run and 5km walk.

For more information and to register, visit reddyfunrun.org.au