Generous Donation Delivers Vital Care to Kids
Monday, 31 March 2025 / Albury Wodonga Health
Children receiving specialist nursing care at home through the Paediatrics at the Child’s Home (PATCH) program will now benefit from a dedicated vehicle, thanks to a generous $60,000 donation from Albury’s SS&A Club.
The newly acquired, brightly wrapped Subaru Forester will enable PATCH nurses to deliver vital care to children who are well enough to remain at home but require ongoing clinical support.
The PATCH program connects eligible children with a Clinical Nurse Consultant who provides specialist care to the child while they are at home and reduces the need for hospital visits.
Now, with access to a bespoke program vehicle, this process will be even easier.
Albury Wodonga Health CEO Bill Appleby said the SS&A’s generous donation would make a world of difference to children needing vital medical care in the community.
‘Our specialist PATCH nurse can visit eligible children at home to provide essential medication, treatment and support for a range of illnesses including oncology care,’ Mr Appleby said.
‘When a child is unwell, being in the comfort of their own home can make a significant difference.
‘This program allows children to receive expert care while reducing hospital admissions.’
Mr Appleby also noted the impact of the vehicle’s design.
‘It’s a beautiful, bright and welcoming car that will undoubtedly bring a smile to children and families when they see it arrive at their home.’
Children can be admitted to the PATCH program via the Special Care Nursery, Albury Children’s Ward, emergency departments, or consultant referrals. Some children require only a few days of care, while others remain in the program for weeks or months, receiving tailored support to meet their individual needs.
The new PATCH vehicle will ensure the program operates with greater efficiency, reducing the need for families to travel for treatment.
‘The SS&A Club’s support has been instrumental in enhancing paediatric services at AWH,’ Mr Appleby continued.
’From essential theatre equipment and sensory tools to humidicribs and syringe drivers, their generosity has consistently helped us improve healthcare for our youngest patients.
‘This latest donation strengthens our commitment to providing exceptional, community-based healthcare and ensures that sick children can access the care they need, where they feel safest – at home,’ Mr Appleby concluded.
Gerard Darmody, SS&A Club CEO, was equally enthusiastic about the impact he hopes the generous donation will have on the youngest members of the community.
‘Over the years, countless staff and their families have had personal experiences with young children within their families requiring paediatric care at Albury Wodonga Health, so the cause is deeply personal to us,’ Mr Darmody said.
‘Whether we have been able to provide support to purchase essential equipment or, in this case, a vehicle to support outreach programs, we are committed to driving positive change to help make a difference for our community.
‘We are incredibly proud to be a part of the PATCH program by supporting this initiative. It is another step towards transforming healthcare delivery, especially for the youngest, in our community.
‘We’re passionate about creating meaningful impact where it matters most in our community. We envision a future where state-of-the-art services and equipment are available locally, matching metro standards, reducing the burden of traveling to big cities for vital care, and ultimately keeping our families close when they need each other most. Every step forward, no matter how small, brings us closer to a win for everyone,’ he said.
This new addition to the PATCH program is another step toward ensuring families in our region have access to the best possible care, no matter where they live.