What do a Portable Defibrillator, an Operating Table, a Wireless Stress ECG and
Blood Pressure Machines have in common?
These expensive pieces of medical equipment are all available to patients at
Sutherland Hospital this year through the efforts of a small group of dynamic
volunteers who work at the hospital’s kiosk.
This hard working group of men and women are champions when it comes to turning
caring into cash with more than $171,800 donated to the hospital this year alone.
One such volunteer is 90-year-old Toni McDonald who each fortnight volunteers
in the hospital’s kiosk assisting in the preparation of sandwiches and coffee
for staff and visitors of the hospital.
“I am delighted to work as a volunteer and when it’s to help others – it’s
fantastic,” Mrs McDonald said.
“The volunteers are amazing, they work hard and do a fabulous job. Working in
the kiosk is a real outing for me, I thoroughly enjoy it,” she said.
The Kiosk Committee was inspired in 1960 and almost five decades on, has
supported more than 400 pieces of medical equipment to all clinical areas of the hospital.
President of the Kiosk Committee, Mrs Margaret McKerihan said over the years
more than $1.5 million has been donated for the purchase of medical equipment.
“Working in the kiosk as a volunteer keeps all of us busy, but the rewards are great.
It gives friendship and purpose to a busy day,” Mrs McKerihan said.
“The staff and visitors are important and we love looking after them all.
The staff are always appreciative of our efforts and we love to get feedback
from the wards about the equipment we have purchased.
“When you see your hard work improving the quality of life of a patient,
it’s a wonderful feeling,” she said.
The General Manager of Sutherland and St George Hospitals, Ms Cath Whitehurst
said the local community was extremely fortunate to have the support of such
a hardworking group of volunteers.
“These wonderful men and women donate their time to raise money for their
local hospital. The Sutherland Shire community is a better place to live
and work because of their efforts,” Ms Whitehurst said.
Media enquiries: Maxine Brennan 9113 2601, 0413 028 776
