Mercy Health nurses who cared for some of the sickest and most vulnerable patients during the COVID-19 pandemic were thrilled to receive a generous donation of pamper packs from a key Mercy Health Foundation supporter, Bank First, and their charity partner Pinchapoo.
Bank First and Pinchapoo delivered hundreds of pamper packs to Werribee Mercy Hospital and Mercy Hospital for Women to mark International Nurses Day for the second year in a row.
“The past few years have been incredibly difficult for everyone working in healthcare, especially here at Werribee Mercy Hospital which was right at the epicentre of the pandemic,” says Nurse Unit Manager Susana Helle.
During the height of the Victorian lockdowns, Susana oversaw the COVID monitoring program and the Sotrivimab clinic at Werribee Mercy Hospital, treating patients with COVID-19.
“Knowing that people in our community want to support us, like we’ve supported them, means the world to us,” Susana says.
Mercy Hospital for Women nurses with pamper packs kindly delivered by Bank First
Bank First Chief Executive Officer Michelle Bagnall says that like Mercy Health, Bank First has compassion and care embedded in its culture.
“Bank First was born out of caring for people. We are passionate about making a difference and connecting with our community,” Michelle says.
Michelle says it has been a privilege to connect with nursing staff and honour their skill, compassion and resilience.
“We are delighted to partner with Mercy Health Foundation with this small gesture to express our gratitude for the significant contribution nurses make to the community day in and day out,” she says.
“Bank First Community Fund initiatives such as nursing scholarships, emergency hospital stay packs and pamper packs are some of the ways we continue our tradition of care and give back to our healthcare heroes. We also just about to launch a dedicated Mercy Health staff banking package to ensure our partners are getting the best possible financial care.”
Bank First staff volunteer time to put together the pamper packs
Mercy Health Foundation Chief Operating Officer Milva Bello says Bank First’s generous support always goes beyond a cheque and a handshake.
“We are extremely grateful to our partner Bank First for their ongoing support,” Milva says. “The past few years have been profoundly challenging for all Mercy Health staff as they protected and cared for our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Mercy Health Foundation supports Mercy Health to provide the best of care, and this includes making sure our own dedicated staff and clinicians are supported and acknowledged.
“Many people have felt powerless to help over the past few years and have been seeking ways to show their appreciation for healthcare staff, despite the restrictions of the pandemic. Our partnership with Bank First has demonstrated that during trying times, help can come from many hands. Bank First looks after those that look after others which is why we have developed such a strong partnership. It’s rare to get to work with like-minded people and do good work every day.”
Last reviewed December 14, 2022.