The Bundaberg Health Services Foundation is encouraging the community to learn more about the organisation in a bid to spread awareness and help raise money to support their important cause.
Fundraising coordinator Joanne Faulkner said the local foundation was established in 1999 and, because of continued community assistance, had been able to spend $1 million over the years on medical equipment, training and facilities to improve the comfort of patients and their families.
“The foundation is run by dedicated volunteers who are community and business leaders,” she said.
“It helps not only Bundaberg patients but also those from the Wide Bay Health Service which includes Monto, Mundubbera, Gayndah, Eidsvold, Biggenden, Agnes Water, Childers, Gin Gin and Mt Perry.”
The Bundaberg Health Services Foundation assists in a variety of areas including:
• Trolley service to the various wards at Bundaberg Hospital
• Running Cafe 641 at the Bundaberg Regional Library
• Running Alfresco Coffee bar at the Cancer Care Building
• Driving a buggy service between the Cancer Care and Oral Health Unit and Bundaberg Hospital
• Cancer Care Coffee and Chat with oncology patients
• Rehab Social visit
• Pathology admin
• Music program for Rehab and Palliative Care patients • Patient Surveys
• Book Library in Hospital
• Oncology Patient Travel
• A variety of fundraising events for non-government funded medical equipment
• Annual Nursing Scholarships
“With health care becoming more centralised now, so many patients travel to Bundaberg to access high-end services including, paediatrics, maternity, renal, rehabilitation and a host of other services,” Joanne said.
“Rotary Lodge, run by the foundation, has enormous benefits for patients from the North Burnett who require medical treatment at Bundaberg Hospital, the Friendly Society Private Hospital or the Mater Hospital.
“Patients who are eligible for the Queensland Health Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS), those living more than 50km from Bundaberg Hospital, and are approved by the PTSS office prior to travelling to Bundaberg can stay free of charge.”
To find out more about The Bundaberg Health Services Foundation visit the website here or Facebook page here.
If you would like to support the Foundation by donating or volunteering phone 4150 2863.
