Coronary Angiography Nurse Unit Manager Maura Kelly with Helen Mears (left) and Linda Friend of Coffs Harbour Pink Ladies and the $67,000 ultrasound donated by the volunteers.

Pink Ladies’ $67,000 gift to heart patients

May 05, 2023

Coffs Harbour Pink Ladies have donated a $67,000 ultrasound to Coffs Harbour Health Campus Coronary Angiography Unit.

The visualisation device is helping clinicians to access major arteries for patients undergoing coronary angio and pacemaker procedures.

Nurse Unit Manager Maura Kelly said the Pink Ladies’ donation was an extremely generous gift that would improve the hospital experience for her patients.

“The Pink Ladies have always generously supported our clinicians and patients but we are extremely excited about this donation,” Ms Kelly said.

“The ultrasound helps clinicians find the exact place to insert the tube for the procedure. Fewer attempts means less pain for the patient and better outcomes.

“Our Pink Ladies are marvellous and we are so very thankful for their hard work which has delivered this valued piece of equipment.”

Pink Ladies President Helen Mears, who just last week received her Medal of the Order of Australia from the Governor of New South Wales Margaret Beazley, said the ultrasound was a much-needed piece of equipment that the volunteers were proud to donate.

“Maura explained to us that the ultrasound would help reduce pain, anxiety, infection risk and complications for her patients so it made perfect sense to make the donation happen,” Mrs Mears said.

“This is one of the most expensive pieces of equipment we have donated this year to Coffs Harbour Health Campus, but we know it will make a real difference in the procedure room, both for the patients and for our doctors and nurses.

“We have had a big year, donating more than $230,000 worth of equipment, and we have a few more things we would like to donate before the end of the financial year.

“It takes a lot of work, dedication and commitment from the volunteers to make these donations possible so I am very thankful to the Pink Ladies who help in the café and the gift shop. Their hard work makes donations such as this possible.”

Anyone who can help the Pink Ladies by joining the café or gift shop roster is asked to contact Sharon.Fuller1@health.nsw.gov.au