THE PINK Silks Trust has donated a portable life-support unit to Coffs Harbour Health Campus (CHHC) thanks to the generosity of the Coffs Coast community in supporting the charity’s events.

The ventilator, which cost $67,171, will help doctors and nurses care for critically ill patients, who have transferred to CHHC Theatres/Intensive Care department from smaller hospitals at Bellingen, Macksville and Dorrigo.

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Acting Nurse Unit Manager Keryn Chauncy said the portable ventilator was a gamechanger for the department.

“This device can be taken anywhere with an unconscious patient, including to Medical Imaging and Theatre.

“Being MRI compatible as well, the device significantly reduces the imaging procedure and, therefore, the time the patient is away from the ICU/ED,” Keryn told News Of The Area.

“As an MRI cannot be done quickly, diagnosis and treatment can take longer.

“The Pink Silks Trust’s MRI-compatible Transport Ventilator enables patients expedited to an MRI, to be treated and diagnosed much more quickly.

“The faster the diagnosis, the quicker treatment starts which is critically important for the patient.

“We cannot begin to thank the Pink Silks Trust enough for their support; and that gratitude is extended to every person who supports their fundraising activities.”

Pink Silks Perpetual Trust Chair and co-founder, Tanya Johnson OAM, said the significant donation was only possible due to the shared efforts of local businesses, Pink Silks Committee members and the Coffs Harbour community.

“Events such as our Pink Silks Race Day every January, our High Tea at Latitude 30 Restaurant, and our upcoming golf day bring the community together in a massive show of support for local women undergoing challenging times due to illness,” Tanya said.

“Sixteen years after launching the Pink Silks Trust, the proudly home-grown charity has donated more than $1.2 million in support of women who need our help.

“Some of the funds have gone to research but most of the money has purchased medical equipment for Coffs Harbour Health Campus and for the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute at Coffs.”

The next two fundraising events are the Pink Silks Trust Golf Day on Friday 12 January 2024 and Pink Silks Trust Ladies Charity Race Day on Sunday 14 January 2024.

To be involved with Pink Silks or to be a beneficiary for funds, check the Trust’s website for contact details at www.pinksilks.com.au.

By Andrea FERRARI