Thanks to the generosity of Brisbane ratepayers, the RBWH Foundation will be able to fund almost $5,000 worth of new clothing and toiletries for First Nations patients treated at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) Emergency and Trauma Centre.
The Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust (LMCT) Ratepayer Charitable Support Grant will ensure Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander patients have access to suitable clothing and essential hygiene products, significantly enhancing their healthcare experience without compromising dignity and sense of self.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and the Lady Mayoress Nina Schrinner recently presented the grant at City Hall. Funds are raised through a quarterly 'pay on time' rates discount of $15. More than 7,000 ratepayers collectively donated more than $112,500, supporting 16 local charities, including the RBWH Foundation.
The Foundation thanks Kate Dickson, RBWH Outpatients Director, who worked closely with Julie Allen, RBWH Emergency and Trauma Centre Senior Health Worker, to bring this initiative to life. Their dedication ensures that the support provided is culturally safe and appropriate, truly advancing patient care in the lives of our First Nations patients.
Pictured L-R: Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, RBWH Outpatients Director Kate Dickson, RBWH Foundation Impacts and Grants Coordinator Vivian Kahl and the Lady Mayoress Nina Schrinner at the City Hall.
One form of assistance has been to provide clothing and toiletries to patients who can often be lacking those items or facing financial hardship. While donated clothing presents hygiene challenges and are frequently insufficient to support the patients’ needs, the LMCT Grant funding will allow RBWH Outpatients Service to provide new clothing, toiletries and footwear to the patients who need it.
Ms Dickson said providing a patient with reasonable new clothing and footwear, and toiletries for basic hygiene helps empower the patient.
“The provision of these items not only removes financial barriers that otherwise delay or prevent patients from seeking necessary medical care, but timely access to care can lead to earlier diagnosis and intervention, improving the prognosis for many health concerns.” said Ms Dickson.
“When patients feel more comfortable and supported, they are more likely to adhere to treatment plans and follow-up appointments, improving their overall recovery and health management.”
