The struggle of getting in and out of bed for less mobile patients in Junee has been eased thanks to a huge donation from a kind stranger.
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Natalie Ellis, clinical nurse educator from the Junee MPS attended the Illabo Speedway memorial dinner last month, where she crossed paths with a Sydneysider in town for the rally.
They got chatting about the challenges of rural health, and huge impact of community contributions.
“As with all hospitals when funding’s tight, there’s always a wishlist of things which you need but can’t entertain because of a lack of money,” Ms Ellis said.
Little did she know, the new connection would bear serious fruit.
The gentleman, who wishes to remain anonymous, got out his cheque book and pen and asked how much they needed.
“He was such an unassuming, kind man. For him to donate so much is just incredible,” she said.
The $600 already raised by the GasWorks for the MPS through ticket sales was boosted to a whopping $2000 by the racing enthusiast, inspired by the hard work of Junee’s health professionals.
The donation is already making a tangible difference on site, with the hospital buying five brand new slings for use in their aged care facility and acute wards.
“We had old slings before but these have a head support to hold them and an additional belt,” nurse manager Melissa Noble said.
“With these we can more easily target the support to people’s individual needs,” Ms Ellis said.
The slings will make a huge impact on the comfort and ease of movement for patients with muscle wastage or limited mobility as well as aiding staff.
“Without the donation it would have been a lot longer before we could update these,” Ms Noble said.
Ms Noble said the hospital enjoys a significant amount of community support, but it’s wonderful to see initiatives bringing people in to the town profiting for the people of Junee.
It was a very happy surprise for the event organisers.
GasWorks Motorsport Incorporated chairman Roger Moore said giving back is a core priority for the speedway and other initiatives they run locally.
With Junee quickly making a name for itself as ‘the heart of vintage speedway’, it’s just the beginning.
“It’s nice to see outside money come in and donated to worthwhile causes like the MPS,” Mr Moore said.
“That’s really the overarching idea, bringing people to the town for the benefit of the community.”
