A group of haemodialysis patients at the West Gippsland Hospital have organised a raffle, aiming to raise money for new equipment needed in the unit.
Spending five hours a day, three or four days a week receiving treatment in the haemodialysis unit, Margaret Wyatt, Alan Larsen and Lesley Harris have a good understanding of the equipment needed to upgrade the delivery of lifesaving treatments.
A large portion of equipment at the West Gippsland Hospital, including equipment in the haemodialysis unit, is not funded by the government. Instead, it is acquired through donations and annual appeals.
Taking matters into their own hands, Margaret, Alan and Lesley banded together to organise a fundraising raffle. The patients approached local businesses over a two-week period, managing to secure selection of enticing prizes completely on their own.
"We might be retired but we're not without contacts," Alan said.
"All the businesses were happy to come forward and help," Margaret said.
Staff in the haemodialysis unit helped to put together raffle ticket booklets and have gotten on board with the selling.
"Our staff are highly trained and extremely dedicated," Alan said.
"You couldn't compare our staff here with anywhere else," Margaret said.
As well as raising money for new equipment, they hope the raffle will increase the community's awareness of haemodialysis.
"People are aware of cancer and heart attacks and things like that, but we'd like more people to beware of kidney issues and dialysis," Margaret said.
Raffle prizes include: a painting by Gippsland landscape artist Graeme Myrteza valued at $5000; a night's accommodation at Phillip Island valued at $620; an appliance pack, including a toaster, kettle and hairdryer, valued at $500; a handmade patchwork quilt created by Lesley Harris; two hours of NDIS transport and care valued at $200; a food and wine voucher valued at $100; food and beauty vouchers; and a pharmacy hamper.
Raffle tickets are available to purchase at the West Gippsland Hospital reception and at Gippsland Food and Wine.
Tickets are $5 each or three for $10. The raffle will be drawn in the West Gippsland Hospital haemodialysis unit in late January 2024.