The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation via their Westgate Branch has awarded Mercy Health Foundation and Werribee Mercy Hospital a $99,000 grant to refurbish the Emergency Department’s Resuscitation Unit.
The funding announcement was made at the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Westgate Branch Inside Out held at Werribee Centrals on Tuesday 24 May following a heartfelt presentation from Nurse Unit Manager Lynn O’Neill.
“As the local population grows, so too does the number of emergency department presentations requiring resuscitation or breathing support,” Ms O’Neill said.
“A revamped and improved resuscitation unit will ensure the best delivery of urgent medical treatment to the Wyndham community.”
Last year Werribee Mercy Hospital had 35,000 people attend the emergency department and this year the number is expected to be even higher.
The average distance to the top six closest tertiary facilities with a critical care unit is approximately 35 kilometres and this time can be critical, particularly when dealing with younger patients.
The resuscitation unit refurbishment will include the purchase of two new resuscitation machines, which can be used on adults and children, as well as the painting of colourful murals in the paediatric resuscitation bay.
“We are extremely grateful for the support of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation in helping us to improve the care and resources we can offer to people in and around Wyndham,” Ms O’Neill said.
Mercy Health Foundation Executive Director, Simon White said the support provided by organisations such as the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation provide critical support that enhances the care that can be provided by Mercy Health services.
The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation will dedicate the refurbished resuscitation unit in honour of a fallen police officer who has lost their life in the line of duty.
Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Chief Executive Neil Soullier, OAM, said the Blue Ribbon Foundation know that it’s not always the biggest projects that can make a difference, often it’s the smaller ones that can have a bigger impact in local communities.
The project is already underway and is expected to be complete by August 2016.
Download full media release ( , 204.1K )Last reviewed December 27, 2017.
