AN initiative by local lady Rosemary Porter, with support from the Salvos, is helping those admitted to the Macksville Hospital and bringing smiles to the faces of patients and staff alike.

Rosemary conceived the idea when her father was in hospital and she noticed that some patients, particularly those who did not have family nearby, were not always able to readily access basic toiletry supplies.

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“I thought it would be a great idea if people could receive a pack of toiletries when they were admitted to hospital at short notice as it would be one less thing to worry about.” Rosemary Porter told News Of The Area.

“I attend church at the Salvos and thought I would ask if they would help me get this going and they got right onboard.”

Any patient that comes to the hospital with little notice, such as an emergency patient or someone transferred to Macksville Hospital, is now able to receive a pack of basic toiletries thanks to Rosemary and the Salvos.

So far the toiletries are coming from donations by those who attend church at the Salvos, however support for this wonderful concept is growing and now Boomerang Bags have joined forces with Rosemary and the Salvos to produce the bags the toiletries are placed in.

Bev Atkinson, one of the Boomerang Bag team, said, “We have a group that works out of Riverside Gardens that began making bags to replace plastic bags and we use fabric that would otherwise go to landfill.

“When Rosemary found out about us she asked if we could make Boomerang Bags for these care packs and we thought that would be a great idea.”

Macksville Hospital’s Executive Officer and Director of Nursing, Andrew Bailey, added, “Whenever someone comes through an emergency it is not a planned approach and they arrive generally unable to get toiletries until the next day or longer if they have no family.

“Our nursing staff are supportive of the initiative, it is special and not something that every hospital can provide.”

Rosemary started this initiative midway through last year and, although attendees from church at the Salvos have been keeping the toiletries coming in up to this point, some items are in short supply and it is now hoped that members of the public will get behind this wonderful idea and donate toiletries to keep the concept alive.

People who would like to donate items such as small versions of toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo and other toiletries are able to take them to the Salvos Shop in Macksville or Adara Nails, Body and Soul at Shop 3/37 Cooper Street, Macksville.

By Mick BIRTLES