Donation funds lifesaving machine

West Gippsland Hospital had a visit recently from Warragul Lions Club incoming president, Russell Elliott and secretary Ian Inglis, who dropped in a cheque for $32,700.

Funds were raised by the Lions Club in conjunction with the Australian Lions Foundation for the purchase of a Corpuls CPR Machine for the West Gippsland Hospital during the Hospital's Annual Appeal. The Corpuls machine helps to continue CPR over long periods so that patients have better health outcomes following a cardiac event. This machine will be used in the Emergency Department and can easily be relocated to theatre if or when the need arises.

"This machine is literally a life saver, we are so grateful to the Lions Club for this donation," said Trish O'Kelly, director of Clinical Operations at West Gippsland Hospital.

"The Warragul Lions' contributions over the years have been amazing, on a daily basis I see items with Lions' plaques and stickers some dating back to 2008. These important items help keep the flow going through the Emergency Department, we are so thankful," said Sue Colby acting deputy director of Clinical Operations.

Adam Selent, board director of West Gippsland Healthcare Group thanked the club and said service clubs such as the Warragul Lions are wonderful for our community. He also recognised the amazing staff at the hospital, pointing out that they are the West Gippsland Healthcare Group's biggest asset despite the crumbling building around them.

Lions' Russell Elliott said he has had first-hand experience as a patient at West Gippsland Hospital and thanked staff, saying we have a wonderful hospital in Warragul. He said the Club enjoys putting back into the community the funds raised from the community. Russell recounted a story where a member of the Club told him his daughter had their first grandchild at the hospital recently in a birthing bed donated by the Lions Club.

The Lions Club of Warragul has had a long association with WGHG and has also helped with the provision of smaller items of equipment as well as manning barbeques at staff functions. The Lions Club's support is greatly appreciated.

Lions Club Secretary Ian Inglis, West Gippsland Healthcare Group (WGHG) Board Director Adam Selent, Director Clinical Operations WGHG Trish O’Kelly, Lions Club President Russell Elliott, Acting ED NUM April Morton, WGHG CEO Dan Weeks, Acting Deputy Director Clinical Operations Sue Colby, Deputy Director Clinical Operations Jacqui Meyers hold the cheque for the Corpuls machine.