Narrabri Hospital is acknowledged as one of the best equipped hospitals in country NSW and that valued status has been achieved with the considerable help of the Narrabri branch of the United Hospital Auxiliaries.
The Auxiliary has long been a volunteer group raising funds to buy equipment and materials which improve the comfort of patients and add to the high tech inventory of the hospital.
At Friday’s meeting of the Auxiliary president Mrs Sally Alexander and her committee tabled the results of fund raising and equipment purchases they have undertaken since March last year.
The total raised to the end of February is a staggering $51,043.
The money has been earned by the Auxiliary through its voluntary operation of the hospital kiosk and two raffles.
The year’s fund raising results are just the tip of the Auxiliary’s contributions iceberg.
The Hospital Auxiliary is raising money and buying items for patient comfort and treatment year on year. The funds raised have meant the Auxiliary has been able to buy high tech, and often expensive, medical equipment and other items for patient care and comfort.
“We are indebted to the community for supporting us” said Mrs Alexander.
“Their support means that we have one of the best equipped country hospitals anywhere.
“Our members are happy to offer their time and help to provide for patient comfort.”
The Narrabri Auxiliary has 60 members, including one male.
“Anyone is welcome to help” said Mrs Alexander.
‘We have very strong support from volunteers and that includes hospital staff who have retired and come along to help as well.”
The Auxiliary is aiming to fund more operating theatre and emergency equipment.
“We are getting more services at the hospital and they all need to be supported by modern equipment” Mrs Alexander said.
Among the range of items bought by the Auxiliary over the year, funded by the $51,000 raised, are 45 LCD wall clocks, a washing machine for patients’ use, resource manuals, training courses, laparoscopic operating equipment and safety matting for the kitchen.
Other items for which approval to purchase has been given are a focusable ceiling light for the Emergency Department, a centrifuge for blood analysis and an Accuvein machine.
Some of the items cost a few hundred dollars, others range up to $11,000 and $13,000.
The Narrabri Auxiliary is a jewel in the crown of the statewide organisation, not just for the funds raised and equipment bought, but for the depth of its membership.
Some auxiliaries in much larger towns struggle to sustain much smaller organisations.
“Narrabri’s strength is in our volunteers’ commitment and the support of the community” said Mrs Alexander.