Donation to Wee Waa Hospital set to help expectant families

WEE Waa Hospital Auxiliary is excited to announce it will donate a second foetal Doppler to the local health service, thanks to a generous donation of $1,500 from Inland Petroleum to the volunteer group.

Auxiliary members explained how the handheld ultrasound device is an important tool that enables nurses to listen to and monitor a baby’s heartbeat when expectant mothers present with concerns to the Wee Waa Hospital’s emergency department.

It will also be available for midwives who visit the Wee Waa Health Service for regular antenatal clinics, visiting from Narrabri Hospital.

The foetal Doppler will assist Wee Waa nurses by providing them with more information to help manage patients and make the best decisions when arranging hospital transfers.

“We want to support the hospital as much as possible,” said Wee Waa Hospital Auxiliary member Andy Dewson.

“Our group still exists, and we’re here to help.”

After consultation with Wee Waa Health Service staff, the Auxiliary rallied the funds to help ensure local expectant mothers have access to this essential equipment close to home.

The Wee Waa Health Service has been operating under reduced hours for just over three years.

Hunter New England Local Health District announced in April 2023 that due to ongoing nursing shortages, the changes would take effect from 8 May 2023.

Under those arrangements, the emergency department has operated from 8am to 5.30pm seven days a week, with after-hours patients mostly directed to Narrabri Hospital.

The role of volunteer local groups such as the Wee Waa Hospital Auxiliary continues to be vital, with members emphasising their commitment to supporting local healthcare professionals as well as residents.

“More than ever, we want to support them,” added Auxiliary president Anne Weekes.

“And we want to let local women know that the device is being donated to the Wee Waa Hospital.”

“Yes, we were very excited to receive this donation from Inland Petroleum. It’s massive and the support means a lot – thank you,” added Pat Kiem.