July 30, 2024Over many years, the Whittlesea Salvation Army Craft Group has been quietly supporting the needs of Northern Hospital Epping’s Neonatal Unit, donating covers for incubators, sewn goods and most recently, a Medela Milk Warmer. Funds are raised through their quarterly stalls, and everything earned from the stalls goes back into providing more items to those in need.
On Monday, 22 July, Joan, Angela, Wendy and Carolyn from the Craft Group, visited the ward to see how the milk warmers have been helping our smallest patients. The milk warmers ensure the milk is kept at the right temperature, reducing the risk of contamination to the milk.
Last year, the Craft Group also donated incubator covers to the Neonatal Unit at Northern Hospital Epping to facilitate a study around how premature babies fared when quilts with dark undersides were used, and the bright lights of the wards were blocked out. This involves sewing suitably dark fabric to a size which will cover the incubator to reduce lighting whilst allowing clinical staff to access necessary equipment. Approximately 45 ladies volunteer in the craft group, where materials for goods are provided through donations from craft group members and the community.
The volunteers have kindly offered to donate their time and resources to sew more covers for the new Babyleo TN500s that were purchased through a donation by The Muriel and Les Batten Foundation. There is evidence to suggest that light reduction and day-night “cycled lighting” can improve infant sleep patterns, weight gain, and decrease feeding time. Cycled lighting has also been shown to reduce hospital length of stay.
“Whittlesea Salvation Army Craft Group is making a meaningful impact at Northern Health through their donation-based services, quietly enhancing the patient experience behind the scenes. We are incredibly fortunate to have them as a part of our community group, and I am very thankful to all who volunteer and give their time to support our health service,” said Natalie Carroll, Volunteer Services Coordinator.
Each and every volunteer within the Craft Group has made a wonderful impact on our Women’s and Children’s Department, and Northern Health Foundation sincerely thanks the Whittlesea Salvation Army Craft Group for their ongoing support of our health service and our community’s most vulnerable little patients.
