Occupational Therapist in Charge Jess Durda and Physiotherapist in Charge Siobhan Finnegan with the wonderful members of the Kempsey UHA - Chris Rob, Pat Major, Jo Robb, Maxine Walker, Gay Waterson and Brett Walker – and the corner stairs and cutlery assessment kit donated by the UHA.

Hospital volunteers donate $10,000 in vital equipment

Aug 22, 2024

The Kempsey United Hospital Auxiliary (UHA) and Pink Ladies, a branch of the United Hospital Auxiliaries of NSW, have generously donated almost $10,000 worth of essential equipment to Kempsey District Hospital, significantly enhancing the care provided to patients and their families.

The Emergency Department now has a hospital-grade recliner, valued at $2,454.20, offering a comfortable space for family members who need to stay overnight, especially those with sick children or palliative care patients.

Emergency Department Acting Nurse Unit Manager Megan Whatmough said the addition reflects the department’s commitment to providing holistic care that supports patients and their loved ones during difficult times.

In the Rehabilitation Unit’s gym, the volunteers replaced the old corner stairs with a new, safer set costing $3,685. The new stairs come equipped with handrails and other safety features crucial for patients practising stair climbing—a key part of rehabilitation therapy aimed at helping them safely return home.

“Most people need to access their homes via stairs. After an injury or accident, loss of strength or balance can impede this ability, limiting their independence,” said Physiotherapist in Charge, Siobhan Finnegan.

The Occupational Therapy department also received a valuable addition with a Cutlery Assessment Kit, valued at $561.97.

“This set allows for precise assessment and personalised recommendations for adaptive aids, enhancing independence for patients with upper limb function challenges,” said Occupational Therapist in Charge, Jess Durda.

“It will be particularly beneficial for those recovering from stroke, brain injury, cerebral palsy, or progressive conditions like Multiple Sclerosis.”

Community Mental Health was also a beneficiary of the UHA’s generosity, receiving a $1,490 donation for a set of scales capable of weighing up to 250 kilograms.

“We are planning to commence metabolic monitoring of our clients to improve their physical health,” said Community Mental Health Nurse Unit Manager Arun Naik.

“Access to affordable GP appointments can be challenging for our clients, often leading to neglected physical health care. We are deeply grateful to the volunteers for providing this critical equipment.”

The donations were announced at the volunteers’ recent annual general meeting, the result of a busy year of fundraising in the Macleay.

The Kempsey UHA and Pink Ladies play an invaluable role in supporting the hospital, ensuring that patients and healthcare professionals have the resources they need to achieve the best possible outcomes.