The DON KR Castlemaine team has raised $4,000 to purchase a new Mindray Vital Signs Patient Monitoring Machine for Bendigo Health’s Children’s Ward.
Raised through DON’s annual Christmas raffle at the Castlemaine factory and other Victorian sites, the funds will directly support babies and children receiving care at Bendigo Health.
When DON KR Castlemaine approached the Bendigo Health Foundation to partner on a paediatric project, the Foundation consulted nurses working on the ward to identify where the funds would have the greatest impact.
Bendigo Health Children’s Ward Nurse Unit Manager, Michelle Creed, said the team was unanimous in recommending a new vital signs monitoring machine.
“Of course, there is always a wish list of items we would love, but the team felt that the Mindray Vital Signs Patient Monitoring Machine would significantly strengthen the ward’s essential equipment,” Michelle said.
Director of Fundraising at Bendigo Health, Shaun Spence, said the hospital had initially planned to co-fund the equipment with DON. However, the fundraiser exceeded expectations.
“The DON fundraiser was so successful the machine was purchased outright, allowing other funds to be redirected to vital equipment, services and research,” Shaun said.
The Children’s Ward at Bendigo Health cares for children and adolescents throughout the Loddon Mallee region, including many from Castlemaine and surrounding communities.
The health service works closely with the Royal Children’s Hospital to treat patients locally wherever possible.
“We know how stressful it can be for families when a child needs hospital care, so being able to receive that care close to home makes a real difference.”
Paediatric Nurse, Whensday Bake, said the state-of-the-art machine measures temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation and respiratory rate.
“Having more equipment readily available allows us to take observations quickly and efficiently, while minimising disruption to children and their families during an already challenging time,” she said.
DON Program Manager, Helen Shaw, thanked DON KR Castlemaine staff for supporting the raffle and helping make the fundraiser a success.
“This new monitoring machine is already making a tangible difference in our local community,” she said.
To support Bendigo Health patients to stay close to home and their loved ones during treatment, visit: www.bendigohealthfoundation.org.au/donate