Auxiliary

Caring support for patients and employees

The Buderim Private Hospital Auxiliary provides a vital link between the hospital and the community.

We are made up of dedicated locals who volunteer our time and fundraising skills to support patients and nursing staff alike. We bring a special touch to hospital stays by looking after the many details that help to enhance Buderim Private Hospital’s signature comfort and care.

From refreshing patients’ flowers to helping patients with menu selections and raising funds for hospital amenities, the team cultivates a caring community that brightens everyone’s day. As many members have been residents of the Sunshine Coast for years, we truly understand what sets Buderim apart. Our focus is also to support Buderim businesses wherever possible and they, in turn, support us in our fundraising endeavours.

Many steadfast friendships have been developed on the Auxiliary, and after 10 years of active contribution, a member can be appointed a Life Member. We are proud to say that we currently have 14 Life Members who continue to mentor and actively support the Auxiliary and hospital activities.

Hospital activities

Auxiliary members play an important hands-on role, taking care of a range of ‘soft touches’ and services. These include:

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  Flowers

  Team members visit patient rooms to refresh flowers, replenishing water and consolidating flower arrangements as needed. There’s often time for a chat as well.

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  Buddy Bears

  Members donate their time to sew and stuff custom-made teddy bears with embroidered faces and a cute bow-tie, which are distributed to Buderim’s youngest (and occasionally more mature) patients. These flannel bears bring a little bit of brightness and a lot of smiles. We also sew and knit items for Maternity and the Special Care Nursery, as well as fidget mats for the rehabilitation ward, which have proved helpful in the reduction and management of anxiety.

   

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  Special Days

  Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas – Auxiliary members take the time to deliver presents or handmade cards to ensure a patient’s day is special, even if it must be spent in hospital.

   

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  Care Packs

  Auxiliary members put together care packs containing basic toiletries for patients admitted through Emergency or unexpectedly.

   

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  Decorating

  Our team members bring a little extra spirit to the holiday season by donating time and skills to decorate the hospital with Christmas Trees. It’s a great way to get everyone in a festive mood.

   

Fundraising activities

The Auxiliary works hard on fundraising activities throughout the year. These efforts help raise money to supply important amenities that enhance patient comfort and wellbeing. This is in addition to the top-quality care that all of Buderim Private Hospital's patients receive as a standard.

Social calendar activities regularly feature:

• Card and games events.
• Luncheons.
• Fashion parades.

Fundraising activities in the past have included craft and produce tables and raffles. We are, however, always open to welcoming new members with fresh ideas and embracing other fundraising opportunities.

Through our fundraising efforts, the Auxiliary has supported the hospital and other charities with items such as:

• Special pillows for breastfeeding mothers.
• A humidicrib to assist with the transport of premature babies.
• A palliative care chair.
• Vases for patients’ flowers.
• Specialised mattresses and a blanket warmer.
• Nursing staff education.
• Christmas hampers for families in need as part of the hospital’s contribution to the UnitingCare Christmas Appeal.
• Fundraising events for the Cindy Mackenzie Breast Cancer Program.

The impact of our efforts is felt and appreciated by patients and staff alike. Everywhere we go in the hospital, we are often met with a cheery hello!

Become a member

We are always looking for new Auxiliary members! The opportunity is open to anyone, male or female, looking for a chance to provide a meaningful service within the community. The only requirements are an open, friendly attitude and a willingness to lend a hand whenever you can.

We understand that your time is valuable. We meet in the Education Centre on the third floor of the hospital at 9.30am on the first Monday of each month, excluding December and January. The time you donate is completely up to you and your schedule. If you are interested in joining or would like more information, please contact: 

Gail Mackenzie, President

Phone: 0406 537 290 | Email: gmac2342@gmail.com

Melanie Ferguson, Treasurer

Phone: 0409 760 581 | Email:  mel53@ozemail.com.au