Big hearts donate to help our smallest survive

The Newcastle Permanent staff charity deduction program has been operating for more than 15 years; supporting two charities each year. In the most recent funding round, Kaleidoscope has been selected by the staff as the nominated charity.

At 10.30am this morning - Wednesday 8 April - an amazing donation of $18,575 was presented to Kaleidoscope to support the work of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the John Hunter Children’s Hospital.

This donation represents a personal commitment by Newcastle Permanent staff to work in partnership with the dedicated teams in the nursery who work tirelessly to improve the lives of newborns.

“We are privileged to be nominated as recipients of this amazing gift,” said Dr Chris Wake, Director of Newborn Services.

“The enhancement to the quality of care and support that we can provide to these precious patients as a result of the support of our community is enormous and we are truly appreciative,” said Dr Wake.

Newcastle Permanent employee Margaret Moore was the driving force behind Kaleidoscope’s selection.

“A number of the women I work with have had premature babies, so they are well aware of the good work that the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit does,” Margaret said.

“This was a nice way to say thank you to the staff and help provide money to purchase lifesaving equipment.

“The girls and I are over the moon that we have been able to help out,” Margaret added.

Kaleidoscope’s NICU is one of the largest in the state and provides highly skilled care to more than 1000 critically ill newborn babies each year. NICU’s smallest surviving patient weighed a tiny 470grams. The youngest patient so far was only 23 weeks gestation.

More than10% of all babies born need the specialised care of a NICU. Breathing problems are the most common reason for why newborn or premature babies are admitted to NICU. Some will require surgery.

The donation made by the staff of Newcastle Permanent will ensure that the NICU can purchase state of the art equipment that will significantly improve the survival of babies.

Media inquiries:
Colleen Crowe - 02 4921 4492, 0408 668976 (ref HNE-1337)