A huge thanks to the RBWH Foundation for their ongoing support!
Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) has four-million reasons to celebrate this Christmas thanks to the incredible generosity of RBWH Foundation donors and corporate supporters.
“It is a point of pride for RBWH Foundation that we have been able to distribute just over four-million dollars this year, across almost every area of RBWH,” said RBWH Foundation CEO Simone Garske.
“None of this would have been possible, however, without the extraordinary power of giving shown by RBWH patients, families and friends; our fundraisers, including staff; and loyal corporate partners.”
Since 1985, RBWH Foundation has supported patient care programs, healthcare worker education and wellbeing initiatives, and life-changing medical and clinician research.
This financial year, that has extended to 41 new research projects across Allied Health, Cancer Care Services, Critical Care and Clinical Support Services, Internal Medicine Services, Medical Imaging, Mental Health, Medical Services, Surgical and Perioperative Services, Infectious Diseases and Women’s and Newborn Services.
Innovative projects awarded to early career and experienced researchers, include the use of telehealth for neurological examinations, non-invasive biomarkers in brain cancer, antibiotic dosing during ECMO, and the relationship between microbiome and heart failure.
Funding was also provided to the brand new First People’s Health and Research Alliance, supporting research that helps close the gap in life expectancy and health equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people based in greater Brisbane north.
“If you notice new furnishings wards throughout the hospital, chances are RBWH Foundation funded this,” said Ms Garske.
New patient care initiatives included end of hallway furnishings and a new Special Care Nursery milk and feeding Hub, as well as patient lounge upgrades for H Floor of Mental Health Services and Women’s and Newborn Services.
The annual Patient Friendly grant round, designed to inspire ideas which improve the patient and visitor experience, didn’t disappoint.
“Successful submissions included calendar clocks for delirium prevention, continuation of the Stairwell project and the relaxation app, Mindsettle, which features on the new RBWH MyStay@RBWH entertainment platform.”
The award-winning Eat Walk Engage also enjoyed newspaper deliveries, new knitting supplies and magnified reading glasses. Delta Dog visits in several wards have again been funded.
Another important RBWH Foundation focus is healthcare worker initiatives. In 2021, this included support of the Annual Cancer Preceptorship workshop for GP’s, delivery of Eating Disorder training to Cairns clinicians, Certificate III in Sterilising for eleven RN and AIN’s, and staff training on the new online health survey software ‘Citizen Space’.
To top off a successful 2021, RBWH Foundation was thrilled to see the second Royal Giving Day receiving national media coverage highlighting the wonderful work of RBWH in areas of research, patient care and staff support.
Royal Giving Day was successful in raising significant funding for health research and patient care, as well as strengthen relationships between the hospitals and their patients, local community groups and local business organisations.
“There are so many reasons for RBWH Foundation to celebrate this Christmas and for that we remain truly grateful,” said Ms Garske.
“May all of our wonderful supporters, including the tireless Team Royal, enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday season.”