Boggabri United Hospital Auxiliary were pleased to have the NSW United Hospital Auxiliary state president, Sally Cronberger attend their annual general meeting.
Idemitsu Boggabri Coal very generously donated $24,075 to the Boggabri UHA to purchase a Falls Prevention bed, Gentile critical care pain and pressure management mattress and an alarm Invisabeam bed monitor and was represented by Leticia Tolson.
The United Hospital Auxiliaries of NSW Inc. (UHA) is a non-government organisation with 166 affiliated branches across NSW.
They raise funds to supply our hospitals, health facilities and multi-purpose services with those extra special pieces of equipment the facilities is unable to purchase due to budget constraints.
The aim is to improve patient comfort and care in each branches’ local health facility.
As well as the bed, mattress and monitor, the branch has funded a projector and speakers for use in the activity room for staff training and is also used by the residents for movies, and armchair travel days.
The purchase of a coffee machine and popcorn machine has added to the movie atmosphere.
In the acute care section of the hospital the branch supplied new television sets in the four rooms.
Residents received small gifts at Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and all staff receive a gift to celebrate International Nurses Day in May.
Residents were given wide brim hats for Christmas to give them protection when having events and activities outside.
In her annual report outgoing president Adele O’Connell thanked and congratulated the Boggabri members for a very successful year saying, “It has been a team effort.”
Mrs O’Connell mentioned the successful garage sale and the inaugural ‘Soup and Damper day’ that had the whole town talking and looking forward to the next one.
The volunteer can collectors, led by Roger Matthews and Roger Hollingworth have supplied a steady income from collecting cans at the mines, Wean, and Drovers.
Special mention to the Boggabri Men’s Shed for constructing the bins for the can collectors, Donna Turner for her contribution each month in donating her mine barbecue funds as well as Colleen Scott who donates a lovely monthly raffle that we are all very keen to win.
Mrs Cronberger congratulated the branch on a successful year, noting how difficult it is becoming to obtain and retain volunteers.
Unfortunately, Quirindi and Tingha branches have had to close in our New England Area.
Mrs Cronberger also gave an update on state activities and events such as the update of the constitution, policy and procedure and encouraged members to attend the state conference in Orange in October.
Mrs O’Connell presented a certificate of appreciation to Leticia Tolson prior to the election of the executive for 2025 – 2026.
Tracey Foote was elected as president, Adele O’Connell, vice-president, Noreen Boehm, secretary, Frances Jackson, treasurer, and Kay Matthews, assistant treasurer.
The branch is now looking forward to their Flower Show in October which is their next fundraising event.
Back, Kay Matthews, Noreen Boehm, Sally Cronberger, Frances Jackson, front, Adele O’Connell and Tracey Foote.
