Redcliffe community raises $230k to help grieving mums, cancer patients, medical research

Grieving mums, cancer sufferers, the terminally ill and other patients at Redcliffe Hospital will have their burden eased after locals raised an astonishing amount of money. Here’s what they did.

The greater Redcliffe community have come together and raised more than $230,000 to improve their hospital in less than two years.

The Raise it for Redcliffe campaign was set up in late 2020 as a partnership between RBWH Foundation and Redcliffe Hospital.

The aim was to raise funds for projects beyond the scope of government funding and which supported the health and wellbeing of the Moreton community through improved patient care and life-changing research.

This year alone donations would help fund a new Senior Nursing Researcher to advance evidence-based patient care, as well as urology research at Redcliffe Hospital to help men with prostate cancer.

More than $230,000 has been raised through the Raise it Redcliffe initiative. Picture: Supplied

The Bring A Touch Of Home project and the Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Unit were other beneficiaries.

Both provided outstanding patient care, but aspired to create a more family and child-friendly experience for visitors.

A much-needed Maternity Bereavement Room, a private space for women and families experiencing loss or special care needs, was also helped by the fundraising.

And Wishlist Grants for much-needed patient and staff care programs received a boost.

On August 30, Redcliffe State High School ran a business breakfast raising more than $750 for the initiative. The school has fundraised since May.

Dr Joel Dulhunty, Director of Research at Redcliffe Hospital and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators spoke about his own journey and shared some insights with students.

Last year, Dr Dulhunty donated $1 for every 2600km cycled from Cairns to Brisbane to raise funds for Redcliffe Hospital, and he continued to advocate for the cause.

Redcliffe State High School held a business breakfast helping fundraise for Raise it for Redcliffe. Picture: Contributed

Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital fundraising manager Sharyn Tidswell said the $230,000 tally was a wonderful indication of the Moreton region’s engagement and trust in Redcliffe Hospital and its dedicated health care workforce.

“We are so inspired and grateful to see young teenagers joining in with the broader community to help advance patient change and life-changing research at Redcliffe Hospital,” Ms Tidswell said.

“Many of these young people would have had family experiences at Redcliffe Hospital and know well the value of contributing to their community.

“So many schools, community groups and business leaders have embraced the opportunity to make an impact for Redcliffe Hospital.

“We are so grateful to Redcliffe State High School and SchoolAid for their efforts.”

A donation from Running for Premature Babies Foundation has bought two neonatal monitors. Picture: Contributed

One successful project funded by the initiative included the newly-built Jacaranda Suite at Redcliffe Hospital.

The suite provided patient-centred care and comfort to families who had experienced the loss of their baby.

The purpose-built room featured new fixtures, a mini kitchenette and a lounge space designed for a support person to stay.

It also included dedicated spaces for extra equipment, allowing staff to provide continuity in care without having to leave the room.

A donation from Running for Premature Babies Foundation allowed two new neonatal monitors to be bought for the neonatal team to help monitor a baby’s vital signs at critical times.