Rotary and Lions support hospital

West Gippsland Healthcare Group has made a significant step in ambitions to buy muchneeded equipment for the West Gippsland Hospital.

Community support and significant donations from local service clubs Warragul Lions Club and Drouin Rotary Club has provided a kick start to the annual hospital equipment appeal which aims to raise just under $100,000.

The Lions Club of Warragul contributed $22,500 to the cause, while the Rotary Club of Drouin donated $23,025.

The big-ticket item this year is an ultrasound machine for the maternity unit.

Clinical operations director Kathy Kinrade said the maternity unit had to share an ultrasound machine with the medical unit and hoped to obtain its own unit to make it easier for expecting mothers when they need observation.

“We’re targeting an ultrasound machine, and these are the largest donations that we’ve had,” she said.

“We still have June and July to hopefully raise just under $100,000.

“Donations from the Lions Club of Warragul and Rotary Club of Drouin have given us the boost we needed.

“We’re hoping their generosity will inspire other people to support our campaign.”

The annual appeal helps raise funds towards extra medical equipment and patient comfort items that are not covered by government funding.

Other items on the wish list for this year include air mattresses for Cooinda Lodge Aged Care, wheelchairs for Andrews Lounge Aged Care, portable vital sign monitors for Cooinda Lodge and surgical and oncology units.

Also on the list is a single sofa bed for the paediatric unit and electronic high and low beds for community health paediatric and adult disability service.

West Gippsland Hospital clinical lead in obstretics Dr Warrick Pill said an ultrasound machine in the maternity unit would be used to check baby position and health.

He said a machine was readily available for purchase as soon as the hospital had raised the required funds.

Warragul Lions Club president Brian Grist said the community had strongly supported its fundraisers, allowing the club to make a significant donation.

“We had strong support from Farm World and our wood sales have been successful,” he said.

Drouin Rotary Club president David Proposch said the club was pleased to support the purchase of equipment for the hospital that will improve healthcare services in the local community.

“We are pleased to donate funds from money raised from our farmers and produce market at Drouin and the swap meet we held at Lardner Park,” he said.

To donate to the appeal, visit the website www.wghg.com.au or by mail at Reply Paid 121 West Gippsland Hospital Equipment Appeal. Alternatively, drop in to the hospital public relations office at 41 Landsborough St, Warragul.