Coffs Harbour Pink Ladies President Helen Mears and the donated vital signs monitor with Director of Nursing and Midwifery Carmen Morgan, a grateful hospital general manager, Dr Theresa Beswick, and the Surgical Unit’s Peter Brookes. The monitor was just one item on a very long list of donated equipment valued at more than $132,000.

We salute Coffs Harbour Pink Ladies

Oct 29, 2020

Coffs Harbour Health Campus’ Pink Ladies have donated an astonishing $132,793 in hospital equipment.

The Coffs Harbour branch of the United Hospital Auxiliaries of NSW is a major benefactor of the hospital. Its 2019/20 figures, recently lodged with the UHA head office, are especially significant because volunteer services were shut down in March, across the entire state, because of the pandemic.

Despite the interruption, the Pink Ladies not only donated more than $132,000 in equipment, they also worked a total of 22,646 volunteer hours.

UHA Regional Representative Dee Hunter said the branch’s 80 members provided a vital service at the hospital, from administration support to feeding hungry visitors and staff at their  popular café.

“President Helen Mears and her team do an extraordinary job every year in support of their public hospital, and this year, with its added challenges, is no different,” Ms Hunter said.

The hospital’s General Manager, Dr Theresa Beswick, also praised the volunteers and thanked them for the long list of donated equipment, which included a vital signs monitor, shower chairs, visitor chairs, commodes, walking aids, an in-shoe pressure measuring device for diabetic patients, and much, much more. 

“I cannot speak highly enough of our volunteers,” Dr Beswick said.

“Every year they amaze us with their generosity and their ongoing commitment to do it all again the following year.

“It is an astonishing act of selflessness, kindness and generosity that helps our team  deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.

“Every member of staff is grateful for the equipment, for the smiles and the friendships, and for the coffee and food services provided through the Pink Ladies café.

“We remain grateful for the branch’s ongoing support through the donation of medical equipment. Their significant commitment and generosity make a huge difference to our staff and our patients.

“We also are looking forward to their return to the hospital soon to recommence some of their wonderful volunteer services.”