Nurse Unit Manager Sam O’Neill with the ultrasound donated by the BowraMacksville UHA, represented by (front) President Isabelle Hooper, Heather Edwards and Regional Representative Dee Hunter.
Hospital volunteers’ ultra-generous gift
Apr 07, 2021Nambucca Valley renal patients will benefit from a new, $26,000 ultrasound donated by the hard-working members of the BowraMacksville branch of the United Hospital Auxiliaries of NSW.
The medical ultrasound device was presented to Nambucca Valley Dialysis Nurse Unit Manager Samantha O’Neill, who was amazed at the volunteers’ generosity.
“Ultrasound machines are very expensive, and very necessary, especially to assist with difficult cannulations,” Ms O’Neill said.
“The new device enables our nursing staff to perform these procedures on patients who would previously have to travel to Coffs Harbour Health Campus for dialysis.
“The donation is hugely significant. It means our patients can stay in the Nambucca Valley for their treatment, rather than travel three times a week to Coffs Harbour.
“The hospital volunteers have made this possible through their hard work … mostly by giving up their precious time to work in the UHA Café at Macksville District Hospital.
“We are indebted to these wonderful volunteers.
“They certainly have made a difference to our patients’ care and treatment,” Ms O’Neill said.
BowraMacksville UHA President Isabelle Hooper also praised the hard work and dedication of her team.
“Our volunteers really do go above and beyond in supporting patients and their families, as well as the staff at Macksville District Hospital,” Mrs Hooper said.
“Nambucca Valley Dialysis Unit is a vital part of our public health services in the region, so it’s great to be able to support the work of our renal team based at Nambucca Heads.”