By Alesha Capone
Patients of the Intensive Care Unit at Werribee Mercy Hospital now have a room to recuperate and spend time with their loved ones, thanks to a generous donation.
One of Australia’s largest independent family philanthropic funds, Gandel Philanthropy, has donated $300,000 to the hospital’s ICU Appeal.
The money has been used to create a wellness room to help patient recovery.
The room includes a landscaped terrace behind a glazed screen, with motorised louvres which provide natural ventilation.
Gandel Philanthropy’s chief executive officer Vedran Drakulic said the organisation’s trustees wanted to support the hospital because it is one of the “key public hospitals in the growth corridor that is the western suburbs”.
“Our support is directed towards the wellness area, because such spaces in a hospital aim to improve health outcomes for patients,” he said.
“Research shows gardens or wellness areas can help relieve symptoms, reduce stress and anxiety in patients and also improve their overall sense of wellbeing and hopefulness.”
Mercy Health Group’s chief executive officer, Adjunct Professor Stephen Cornelissen, said the “generous donation” would provide patients and their families with “a welcoming and tranquil space” to enjoy time together.
Werribee Mercy Hospital received $85 million in the 2015-16 state budget to provide intensive care and other services to the community, including building an eight-bed ICU.
The Mercy Health Foundation and the Werribee Hospital Foundation committed to raising $2 million to furnish and equip the new ICU.
To donate to the ICU Appeal, visit www.mercyhealthfoundation.org.au
