Rotarians Steve Towle and Bob Cleland are driving the appeal to transform PMBH’s Paediatric Emergency Department with the support of Emergency Nurse Unit Manager Scott Pomroy, Network Director of Emergency Medicine Dr Dawn Martin and PMBH Acting General Manager Jo Campbell.
Rotary appeal will enhance emergency care for children
Aug 27, 2024The Rotary Clubs of Port Macquarie-Hastings are calling on the community to help transform the newly opened Paediatric Emergency Department (ED) at Port Macquarie Base Hospital into a more welcoming and child-friendly environment.
The new Paediatric ED is located behind the hospital’s existing ED, where, until recently, adults and children were cared for together.
Spokesman for the project, Rotarian Bob Cleland, said there was an urgent need to transform the new Paediatric ED into a space that children felt comfortable in.
“The sterile white walls of the emergency room are not child-friendly, and Rotary wants to do something about it. After reviewing other hospitals that have been suitably decorated, our Rotarians agreed to launch an appeal to fund this upgrade,” Mr Cleland said.
“A grant of $15,000 from the Rotary Australia Compassionate Grants program has been matched by club funds. However, an additional amount from the community is needed to fully fund the upgrade.
“We are looking to this community to help us fully fund the project and get the work done as soon as possible.”
Network Director of Emergency Medicine Dr Dawn Martin thanked Rotary for its generosity.
“Rotary’s initiative will enhance the care and experience of children requiring emergency medical attention,” Dr Martin said.
“A dedicated Paediatric ED should be designed to be less intimidating for children. Child-friendly décor and toys can help reduce anxiety and stress during medical emergencies.
“Bright, colourful and engaging artwork helps reduce anxiety and stress for children, which in turn reduces stress for parents and healthcare professionals.
“It provides a visual distraction, helping to divert children’s attention away from the medical procedures, making the experience less traumatic and more manageable.
“While we can take care of the specialised healthcare children need in emergency medicine, including the right staff and appropriate equipment, we need a helping hand to improve the visual amenity of the space,” Dr Martin said.
“We are very grateful Rotary has offered to help.”
Anyone wanting to help create a more comforting and healing environment for children in their time of need can contact Rotarian Bob Cleland at 0438 761 978 or email Bobcle43@gmail.com for details on how to help.