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February 2020
Thank you to those who donated to our 2019 Christmas Appeal in support of The Greatest Need Fund. Our appeal has raised a further $49,000 which will provide practical support to those patients experiencing severe financial hardship.
Joanna Butler from the Chronic & Complex Care Team has seen first-hand the impact your donations make to patients and their families.
"Recently, we treated a patient for a chronic health condition who had fallen on tough times," said Joanna. "Her marriage had broken down and she and her two children were facing homelessness."
"With her Newstart payments barely covering their daily essentials, finances were so tight she was unable to afford basic furniture and mobility aids let alone the medication she so desperately needed to manage her condition.
"Through donations to The Greatest Need Fund we were able to supplying her with medication for one month, as well as the items she needed to manage her condition. We were also able to provide grocery vouchers so she and her daughters had enough food to get by until other support services could come in to assist.
"As a staff member, you can feel quite helpless when patients leave hospital knowing that even with the best of attentions, their circumstances can put their health at risk," said Joanna. "The Greatest Need Fund enables us to support our most vulnerable patients as they transition from hospital."
The Greatest Need Fund was established in 2018 to provide a means by which staff of Western Health, and members of the community, could donate to support those patients most at need. This support goes above and beyond the healthcare we provide, helping patients to get back on their feet when they are discharged from hospital. The Greatest Need Fund is 100% funded by donations.
To donate to The Greatest Need visit https://greatestneed.wh.org.au/
