General News
29 January, 2021
FNQ Hospitals share in $2.89m funding boost
EIGHT hospitals in Far North Queensland shared in a $2.89 m funding boost in what is being hailed as a record year, despite the impacts of COVID-19.
despite the impacts of COVID-19.
The Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation’s (FNQHF) annual report was tabled in parliament this month and shows a strong year, despite last quarter results being impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.
As COVID-19 was spreading across the world FNQHF launched a campaign called ‘Join the fight against COVID-19’.
Foundation CEO Tony Williamson said the campaign was a massive success and enabled hospitals to be better prepared for the pandemic.
“Instead of slowing down, we approached the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service with a plan to fund any needed hospital equipment to better prepare regional and Cairns health services. The ‘Join the fight against COVID-19’ was a massive success at a very testing time,” said Mr Tony Williamson.
Key contributions include $1.89 million for the COVID-19 campaign, $333,000 for cardiology, $200,000 for research, $413,000 for Mareeba Hospital, $224,740 for Innisfail, $102,106 for Babinda, $122,465 for Atherton, $140,298 for Mossman Hospital, $186,466 for Tully Hospital and $45,512 for Yarrabah Hospital.
Foundation CEO Tony Williamson said the $2.89 million in grants of equipment and research, was the Foundation’s third best in its 23 years.
“This outcome is a tribute to Foundation staff and volunteers who were willing to adapt as needed,” he said.
“And it means we’ve now ticked over $23 million in 23 years, which we’re incredibly proud of.”
Total revenue, including the Foundation’s cafes and other commercial activities, was up to $5.48 million from the previous year’s $4.68 million and fundraising efforts of $2.55 million was well above the previous year’s $1.6 million.
Funds from the Foundation’s commercial activities cover all expenses, which means every cent donated, goes where it’s intended.
