Festive fundraiser keeps families together

GRAMPIANS Health’s 2023 Christmas Appeal is set to boost the care of children with acute and chronic conditions in their homes.

The new Grampians Health at Home Paediatric Program aims to provide medical support to babies and kids in the place where they are the most comfortable and settled, surrounded by family.

“When kids are in hospital, they often don’t eat and drink as they normally would,” said Grampians Health at Home paediatric navigator, Matthew Drake.

“They may also feel anxious due to the busyness of the ward and a lot of unfamiliar people around them. These aspects can have a real impact on their ability to go home.

“As much as we make sure the kids’ ward is friendly and playful… we all know that there is no place like home.

“In our paediatric program, we look after kids we classify as well enough to be cared for at home and who do not require a hospital bed.

“They can be cared for by our specialist paediatric nurses, with access to doctors and medications. They will receive the same level of care as they would receive in the hospital.”

The program includes the provision of things like oxygen support, wound care, feeding tubes, and nutritional help.

Mr Drake said hospital staff are encouraging Ballarat people to donate to the Christmas Appeal to assist them in making in-home care options the best they can be.

“We are asking for your help to purchase patient monitors, baby scales, feeding kits, thermometers, and anaphylaxis and oximetry bags,” he said.

Rebekah Fisher is the mother of two-year-old Zoe who was born eight weeks premature with a genetic condition affecting her heart and lungs.

Zoe has spent much of her little life in hospital, and stays can range from one week to six, impacting the whole family, including four-year-old sister Avril.

“We often have to call an ambulance for Zoe in the middle of the night, and Avril will wake up in the morning and her mummy and sister are gone,” Ms Fisher said.

“Sometimes her dad would have gone to work, and her grandparents are waiting for her when she wakes up.

“It has caused so much stress and anxiety for all of us. It’s hard for a family to be separated.”

Ms Fisher said it’s important the community backs the appeal this year to support families like theirs.

“We’re trying to create as normal a life as possible for our girls,” she said.

“More time at home means less financial, emotional, mental, and physical stress, not just on Zoe, but the family unit as a whole, and that will always benefit Zoe.”

Grampians Health Ballarat head of fundraising and engagement, Sarah Masters, said hospital staff are grateful to the community for any donations they can make during this time of economic hardship.

“Please know that every donation, no matter the size, really does help provide the exceptional public healthcare that we all rely upon,” she said. Visit bit.ly/482i0Ar to donate.