Advertisment

Community

27 October, 2024

Healthcare benefits all

DONATIONS and bequests to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation increased by 15 per cent to $2.7 million in the last financial year.

By Nick Dalton

Queensland Children’s Hospital ophthalmology clinical director Professor Shuan Dai with a $166,000 OCT machine and wide field retinal camera donated by the foundation. Picture: Supplied
Queensland Children’s Hospital ophthalmology clinical director Professor Shuan Dai with a $166,000 OCT machine and wide field retinal camera donated by the foundation. Picture: Supplied

This enabled the foundation to deliver more than $1.32m worth of life-enhancing medical equipment and research in the 2023-24 financial year.

Foundation chief executive officer Gina Hogan said “our achievements this year are a testament to the power of community support and dedication”.

“From our supporters who have increased donations and bequests to our incredible volunteers, every effort makes a difference in delivering the best possible health care to Far North Queensland,” she said.

“Together, we are not just funding equipment and research, we are investing in the future of our region’s health, ensuring that world-class care is available right here at home.

“The $4.3 million Donate for DaNi project continues to inspire. By June 30, 2024, nearly $1.7 million had been raised to fund a state-of-the-art surgical robot for Cairns Hospital, ensuring all patients in Far North Queensland have access to cutting-edge medical technology close to home.

“Our dedication to advancing health research and education is stronger than ever. This year, we proudly awarded $220,000 in research grants and $43,791 in education grants, totalling $263,791, to support innovation and excellence in health care delivery.

“The remarkable efforts of our Friends of the Foundation (FoFs) resulted in them raising an impressive $681,099 this financial year, directly enhancing health services in their local communities. 

“Their fundraising enabled $590,810 worth of medical equipment to be purchased across 10 groups, making a tangible difference in patient care.”

The foundation’s social enterprises, including two cafés, catering services, ATMs, the hospital car park, and more than 50 vending machines, contributed $4.22m in revenue, delivering a gross profit of $2.9m. 

Ms Hogan said the 34 per cent increase allowed the foundation to fully cover its operational costs, ensuring that 100 per cent of donations funded critical health care initiatives.

“As we look to the future, the foundation remains focused on delivering life-saving medical equipment, supporting groundbreaking research, and fostering community engagement to enhance the health and wellbeing of Far North Queensland”.

The foundation’s 2023-24 annual report is available at

https://bit.ly/3UeuJvh

Advertisment

Most Popular