Hop to it for tiny patients

HOP Temple’s annual mini-fun run, the Hopathon, will take place this weekend for a good cause.

Funds raised by the 600-metre run or walk along Armstrong, Mair and Lydiard streets will benefit the Ballarat Base Hospital’s Special Care Nursery.

Acting nurse unit manager for the Special Care Nursery Jo Pegg said the department is grateful to be the beneficiary for another year, and will aim to purchase patient monitoring equipment.

“Our patients in the Special Care Nursery are the tiniest, most vulnerable babies,” she said.

“These new patient monitors will enable us to monitor their oxygen saturation and electrocardiogram at their bedside.

“They will provide much more information for our staff, reduce the need to disturb the babies, and allow us to intervene as necessary in the earliest possible time. They will be a real asset to the department.”

Hopathon ambassador Steve Moneghetti visited the Special Care Nursery last week in support of the event.

“It’s a fun run, but without much running, so there’s no need for pre-race nerves,” he said. “I’ll be there to coach everyone through this gruelling event.”

“But what makes this day really special is knowing that we’re helping out the families and staff at the Special Care Nursery.

“I’m looking forward to hearing about the project we’ll be funding and what it means for our tiniest patients here in Ballarat.”

The Hopathon will begin at 11.30am this Saturday, 5 November at Hop Temple, and registrations can be made at hoptemple.com.au.

Entry is $50, and participants will receive a t-shirt, headband, medal, and a pint. A post-race party will be held in Hop Lane with music, auctions, and plenty of flowing amber ale.