Paediatrics at the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital receives $200,000

Chief Minister and Minister for Health Katy Gallagher today received a cheque for $200,000 on behalf of Paediatrics from the Woolworths Fresh Food Kids Hospital Appeal held in 2011.

"Today's donation will be used to purchase items for our paediatrics ward, such as new play equipment for children and adolescent patients, at the new Women's and Children's Hospital which is currently under construction," the Chief Minister said.

Woolworths and Paediatrics have had a very strong and successful relationship through fundraising efforts for the past 16 years during which time Woolworths has donated more than $1 million as well as thousands of dollars worth of gifts in kind.

"As part of the Fresh Food Kids Hospital Appeal run nationally in all Woolworths' supermarkets, a weekly BBQ day at the Canberra Hospital was held again in 2011 and was thoroughly enjoyed by staff, patients and visitors.

"We are extremely appreciative of Woolworths continuing generosity and support, and indeed the support the community provides to their fundraising efforts at the Canberra Hospital," the Chief Minister said.

The new Women's and Children's Hospital is part of the ACT Government's $1 billion plus investment in our health care system - to ensure Canberrans have access to the most modern, state-of-the-art health facilities. It will see the collocation of services including Paediatrics at the Canberra Hospital (PatCH), maternity services, the neonatal intensive care unit, gynaecology and fetal medicine and specialised outpatient services.

"With the continued support of our community, and our business partners we can ensure that every child's visit to hospital is just that little bit better," the Chief Minister concluded.

Statement Ends