Over the last year Macksville District Hospital has received a remarkable $102,789.67 in medical equipment and patient comfort items from the local UHA volunteers.

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“The BowraMacksville UHA members are, quite honestly, the most amazing people,” Mid North Coast Local Health District Corporate Relations Manager Sharon Fuller told News Of The Area.

“Their commitment to their community, to their fellow Nambucca Valley residents, is remarkable.

“From selling raffle tickets to volunteering in the UHA Café at the hospital, there are not enough words to express how grateful we are for every one of them.

“This is a truly remarkable group and I would encourage anyone who wants to enjoy the company of beautiful people to consider joining the BowraMacksville UHA.

“The friendships are strong, the laughter is constant and the dedication to others is extraordinary.”

The hospital’s Deputy Director of Nursing, Mark Tyler and Patient Services Manager, Toni Winters attended the UHA branch’s annual general meeting on Saturday, ensuring the volunteers knew their hard work, dedication and generosity was appreciated.

“We can’t thank you enough,” Mr Tyler said.

“The UHA Café is the heart of our hospital because the volunteers are the heart of the hospital.

“You genuinely make a difference.

“You brighten everyone’s day because a lot of warmth comes from the café.”

Ms Winters also spoke with warmth and gratitude.

“I don’t have the words to say thank you enough for the time, company, smiles and everything else you do… from the coffee to the funds raised and items you buy that help people in our community,” she said.

The UHA’s fundraising efforts resulted in a range of equipment being donated including a microscope, weigh chair, a perioperative bed, and a paediatric colonoscope costing $42,000.

During the AGM, Lorraine Edmondson was re-elected as President, Dee Hunter returned as Treasurer, Susan Hedgecoe as Secretary, Heather Edwards as Membership Secretary, and Jan Walters as Vice-President.

Patron Janine Reid and Auditor Geoff Minett also agreed to continue their honorary roles supporting the UHA branch.

“We have incredible members in our auxiliary who work tirelessly in the café and with fundraising efforts such as our trivia night at Island Golf Club, raffles at plays by the Valley Performers, and donations,” UHA President Lorraine Edmondson said.

“Many cuppas and plenty of hard work have funded much of the equipment, but we also receive many comments on the value of the café in the hospital and the excellent service provided.
“Our sincere thanks to Heather for the huge job of working out the roster.

“I also want to thank Jan Tinson who finds all the raffle prizes, as well as organising the roster for ticket sellers at Macksville and Bowraville, plus the trivia night and the Valley performance evenings.”

Other highlights from the year included Nambucca Valley Council awarding a five-star rating to the UHA Café, Dee Hunter’s inclusion on the 2023 NSW Honour Roll as a Hidden Treasure, and Heather Edwards being named Mid North Coast Local Health District Volunteer of the Year.

Membership secretary Heather Edwards encouraged anyone interested to find out more about volunteering by emailing Sharon.fuller1@health.nsw.gov.au.

By Andrea FERRARI