About the Geelong Hospital Annual Appeal
The Geelong Hospital Annual Appeal, launched in 2008, supports the region’s health services by raising money for different areas and priorities within Barwon Health.
These include services within the Geelong Hospital, the Andrew Love Cancer Centre and Cancer Services, the McKellar Centre, Community and Mental Health units around the Geelong region plus many more.
The Barwon Health Foundation hosts a variety of events throughout the year to raise money for the Appeal. Some of these events are used to raise funds for a specific area within Barwon Health such as women and children’s services of cancer services.
Each year, the Geelong Hospital Annual Appeal culminates in one weekend of giving that takes place on the Queen’s Birthday weekend. This weekend involves a telethon, tin shakes and other activities where the Geelong community can show their support by digging deep and making a donation.
The Special Care Nursery Redevelopment
The Barwon Health Foundation and Cotton On Foundation are working together again with a common goal, to redevelop the Special Care Nursery at Barwon Health's Geelong Hospital. This new project follows the successful completion of the Cotton On Foundation Children's Ward redevelopment in January.
The Special Care Nursery redevelopment is a $4million totally community funded project. Strong community support is needed to achieve the required outcome that will incorporate the refurbishment and the purchase of new equipment.
The current nursery has outgrown the needs of the community. Last year 540 babies were cared for in the Special Care Nursery and 25% of babies born at Geelong Hospital were admitted. Sometimes babies are transferred to Geelong Hospital from other areas if another hospital exceeds their Special Care Nursery capacity.
The Special Care Nursery is a vital community service. A first class facility will provide a far more supportive environment for the dedicated clinicians and most vulnerable members of our community. The redevelopment will provide additional space in the nursery plus effective storage, a separate treatment room and parents' room.
Barwon Health's Special Care Nursery Nurse Unit Manager, Alyson Smith, said it is a much-needed redevelopment.
"There is a big need for an updated nursery with facilities for parents. Population growth and resulting urban sprawl across Victoria has shown increased need for more neonatal cots and space. As requirements for bed numbers increase, then the need for more space and facilities for parents increases as well" Alyson said.