Running for a good cause

St Andrew’s staff raise vital funds for Royal Flying Doctor Service

Throughout the month of October, our St Andrew’s team put on their running shoes and pounded the pavement in support of a good cause. Across the hospital, staff came together to support the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s month-long ‘Oceans to Outback’ fundraising campaign, completing between 80 to 140 kilometres each on foot and raising vital dollars to help keep the flying doctor flying.

With many of our patients at St Andrew’s travelling large distances to access medical services, we know how important the RFDS is for helping many complete that journey.

Every year, the RFDS reach more than 330,000 Australians with 24-hour emergency retrieval and primary healthcare services. That’s one person every two minutes!

Theatre registered nurse Josh Hawkins, led the team’s fundraising efforts, raising more than $1800 for his 140-kilometre journey, while Acting Director of Nursing Ashleigh Shannon led lunchtime walks for staff, helping to promote mental and physical health and fitness during the workday, while also raising more than $300 for the cause.

The team of 14 smashed their original goal of raising $3000, setting a new target of over $6000 12 days into the challenge.

The RFDS challenge is one of many important causes we have supported this year at St Andrew’s, and we greatly appreciate the community’s support we have received along the way.

St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital is an award-winning modern facility which has a respectful, united learning environment with a focus on patient care.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining our team, visit sath.org.au/aboutus/careers/ to see our latest job opportunities.