Paediatric emergency bay for Sunshine Coast kids
August 9, 2011
Wishlist today celebrated the launch of a brand new 4-bay paediatric ward in the Emergency Department of Nambour General Hospital which was created thanks to the generous donations of guests at last year’s Wishlist Spring Carnival Gala lunch.
The new section, which will accept its first patients on August 15, is a separate wing to the general emergency ward ensuring most children and families will no longer be exposed to the often distressing environment of the general ward.
Wishlist Manager, Lisa Rowe said the new facility had been carefully planned to provide a safe and engaging environment which was a child-friendly as possible.
“The nature of the general emergency ward makes it inevitable that those admitted encounter some pretty frightening and unpredictable situations which we really would like to shelter children from, especially when they are already having to deal with their own emergency,” said Lisa.
“Thanks to the generous donations of our Spring Carnival Gala guests we raised over $114,000 which has all been committed into the refurbishment of the area making it as calming and welcoming as possible for our little patients.”
Some of the key features include security doors ensuring both privacy and security and bright artwork on the walls and ceilings which incorporates distractive therapy elements to contribute to making the process of receiving emergency care as comfortable as possible.
“The value of this facility is immeasurable to families needing emergency care and we are delighted that we can add a little ray of sunshine to improve the children’s difficult experience when they pass through the ward’s doors on a daily basis,” said Lisa.
“We can’t thank the generous donors enough for their contributions and are proud to take this opportunity to show them how their support has made such a difference to Sunshine Coast kids.”
The 2010 Spring Carnival Gala Lunch, which was attended by a number of celebrities including Jennifer Hawkins, Kieren Perkins, Natalie Barr and Grant Kenny benefitted from the generosity of over 600 Sunshine Coast business professionals who bid on the 99 auction items during the course of the event.
This year’s event on September 16, which is once again sponsored by Coastline BMW, was sold out before tickets were issued and guests can look forward to a performance by Damien Leith and hosting by Seven’s Samantha Armytage and local radio jock, Todd Widdicombe.
Organisers are once again calling for the donation of auction items from as little as $50 to help raise funds for this year’s cause which is to provide support for programs offered by the Sunshine Coast Koping Network (SCKoping). These programs deliver fantastic outcomes for Sunshine Coast children who are affected by a parent or sibling who has a mental health or drug and alcohol condition.
For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.wishlist.org.au.
Ends.
[nggallery id=10]
