BowraMacksville UHA branch’s elected committee Lorraine Edmondson, Dee Hunter, Jan Tinson, Heather Edwards, Jan Walters and Jenny Ainsworth.

BowraMacksville UHA volunteers raise more than $99,000 for Macksville District Hospital

Aug 09, 2023

The hard-working members of the BowraMacksville branch of the United Hospital Auxiliaries of NSW have gifted a record $99,717.70 in equipment to Macksville District Hospital in the past year.

The incredible result was revealed at the branch’s Annual General Meeting at Bowraville Recreation Club where committee members were joined by fellow volunteers and hospital representative Deputy Director of Nursing Mark Tyler.

The branch’s $99,717 donation for 2022-23 was mostly funded through the proceeds of the UHA coffee shop at Macksville District Hospital.

Mr Tyler thanked the dedicated volunteers for their ongoing efforts in operating the hospital café and supporting other projects like the Clive Thew Memorial Garden project in the hospital grounds.

“I never cease to be surprised at how well the community supports the hospital,” he said.

“The garden has been a wonderful addition to the hospital, and we certainly look forward to it continuing to be.”

In her President’s report, Lorraine Edmondson reflected on the loss of two long-term members in Vice President Isabelle Hooper, who helped to start the old hospital café in 2009, and Moira Welsh.

“Isabelle was an outstanding President for many years and Moira was an enthusiastic raffle ticket seller in Bowraville,” Lorraine said.

Lorraine thanked the café volunteers for their dedication and service throughout the past year.

“We receive many comments on the value of the cafe within the hospital and the excellent service provided,” she said.

“The hospital staff members have been our main customer source followed by visitors and families of patients.”

Lorraine will continue as the branch’s President in 2023-24, supported by Jan Walters as Vice President, Susan Hedgecoe as Secretary and Dee Hunter as Treasurer.

Ten-year service medals were presented to Dee Hunter and Heather Edwards at the meeting.

The branch’s $99,717 donation for 2022-23 purchased a paediatric vein finder, Sonosite PX Ultrasound system, emergency trolley, intubation trolley, ward bed and Nebula mattress, Rolatoe, four over bed tables, a handheld Pulse Oximeter and Panoptic Ophthalmoscope.

“I really want to thank the members of the Auxiliary,” Lorraine said.  “None of us are ‘old’ but also none of us are really ‘young’ but we are certainly young at heart. We look forward to another productive year providing much-needed equipment and doing this with enthusiasm and energy.”

The UHA branch is holding a trivia night on Saturday 26 August at the Nambucca Heads Golf Club. Call 6569 4111 to reserve a table of 10 people.