SES helps Wedgetail wonders

SES crews transported nurses to and from Wedgetail Retreat hospice in Dulguigan during this week’s flood emergency, ensuring palliative care patients continued to receive care despite rising waters.

As floodwaters cut off access, SES volunteers ferried nurses by boat nine kilometres from Taylor’s Corner to the hospice.

Some staff worked double shifts to keep the facility running, with nurses Jennifer and Leanne changing shifts by boat.

On another trip, nurses Gina and Angelika also swapped shifts and refuelled Wedgetail’s generator using the SES specialist flood recovery vehicle, the Big Duck Truck.

Wedgetail nurse manager Nikki Moore said the dedication of staff and volunteers had kept the hospice operating.

“With the generator running, as we had no electricity, these amazing nurses stayed onsite,” Moore said.

“We managed to maintain the delivery of compassionate quality end-of-life care to our four current guests at Wedgetail.

“There is also an amazing community at Dulguigan that has supported the hospice during this time, volunteering their time to help the nurses care for and keep our guests well fed.

“None of this would have been possible without the amazing support and expertise of the local Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads SES crews. They are such an extraordinary volunteer organisation,” she said.

Wedgetail Retreat Community Hospice began with a dream to provide an inclusive, 24/7, specialised palliative care facility in the region.

Clients with life-limiting illnesses and their families are welcomed into a modern, home-like environment in a rainforest setting, which offers a client-centred approach to caring for guests and their loved ones.

The vulnerable and disadvantaged are cared for free of charge.

Each year, the combined hospice services support more than 600 palliative clients, which increases to thousands when clients supported at home and family support services are included.

Wedgetail is not government-funded and relies on donations from guests’ families and the community through fundraising events, campaigns, and the two palliative Care Op Shops in Murwillumbah for its annual budget of $750,000.

To support Wedgetail, visit their website or contact the hospice for more information.