Community
2 March, 2024
Vital hospital bed donation
AN Innisfail family’s continued generosity has resulted in an essential gynaecological bed and procedure trolley for the Innisfail Hospital’s high dependency unit through a $13,500 donation to the Innisfail Hospital Friends of the Foundation.
The Catalano Family Foundation has donated almost $140,000 across the years, with the latest donation for a bed that will improve care and increase efficacy in gynecological check-ups.
Sam Catalano said the family was happy to work with the Innisfail foundation to provide funding assistance for vital equipment that will help the local community.
“They are truly inspirational, always smiling and actively out in our community fundraising to assist in purchasing much needed equipment for the Innisfail Hospital. We were happy to assist in donating $13,500 this year,” he said.
Cairns Hospital obstetrician gynaecologist Joanna Arnold, who has been visiting Innisfail Hospital as part of the FROGS team (CHHHS Far Reach Obstetrics and Gynaecology Service) for 15 years, said the new equipment would make a big difference in patients’ lives.
“A team of two gynaecologists visit Innisfail nearly every fortnight. We see women who require gynaecology review at Innisfail Hospital to provide them with the care they need, without travelling to Cairns,” she said.
“Up until now, we have had only one gynaecology examination couch available, which means women waiting for a particular procedure or check-up must wait until the doctor using that procedure room is free. With two rooms fully functional, we can get through the day’s work without delay and not have patients having to wait their ‘turn’."
