WOMEN OF STRENGTH LUNCHEON

Reconstructive surgeon and burns specialist, Dr Fiona Wood, will be speaker at this year’s Women of Strength Luncheon on Friday, July 20.

In the aftermath of the 2002 Bali bombings, Dr. Wood and her team worked tirelessly to care for burn victims.

“It was a challenging time, but the team and I considered it a privilege to help people to heal and it led to great learning,” said Dr Wood. She explained that, despite it being a harrowing experience, it gave the team an opportunity to understand how to do better. “It’s a question of how we can learn from today to make tomorrow better”.

The team used “spray-on skin” cell technology, developed by Dr Wood and colleagues in the early 90s, to treat the burn victims and minimise scarring.

In recognition for her work during the Bali bombings, Dr. Wood was named a member of the Order of Australia in 2003.

The luncheon will once again be in support of the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation and all proceeds will go towards assisting the Toowoomba Hospital Emergency Department.

“I think part of strengthening our communities and our society, is to help each other to be the best we can be. Be kind to each other”, said Dr Wood.

“It’s important that we all recognise we’ve got gifts to give, and to actually support that contribution and that engagement.” Dr Wood implored people to spread good news stories.

Over the years, the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation has provided more than $9 million to the Toowoomba Hospital, the Baillie Henderson Hospital, and the Mt Lofty Heights Nursing Home, in equipment, staff, development, research and scholarships.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, makes a great difference to the lives of patients of these health care institutions and all donations over $2 are fully tax deductible.