COMMUNITY SUPPORT: Orange hospital maternity unit acting unit manager Lauren Frazer, midwifery project officer Danielle Syme, Peter McCormack and director of nursing Sue Patterson with baby Noah Whiteley. Photo: LUKE SCHUYLER 0130lshospital1
IT could be a baby just like little Noah Whiteley who will be helped thanks to a huge donation raised at Orange’s New Year’s Eve party.
Gold coins donated at the McCormack Party Under the Stars raised $4856 to go towards a new midwifery program at Orange hospital.
The program will see the same midwife treat a woman throughout her pregnancy and continue after the baby is born.
Funding will allow for the purchase of portable equipment so midwives can visit the home of new parents and their baby.
Director of nursing Sue Patterson said it will allow for a “continuity of care” for new mums and their baby.
“Mum and dad develop trust in their midwife,” she said.
Ms Patterson said having the same midwife allows for an “improved birthing outcome”.
She said women will have a more relaxed birthing experience, a more normal birth and labour progresses quicker.
“[Funding allows midwives] to have the equipment to take on the road with them,” she said
Ms Patterson thanked the Orange community for their support in donating to the hospital and said it shows how much they “own” the hospital and want to be a part of it.
It is the second year the event organisers have donated funds to the Orange hospital and Peter McCormack said it is a pleasure to do so.
“It’s a privilege to be able to hand over on behalf of the Orange community,” he said.
“If it wasn’t for the community we wouldn’t be able to do this.”
Mr McCormack said plans are already underway for this year’s New Year’s Eve event and invites the community to suggest ideas for a beneficiary of this year’s donation.
Orange hospital’s new midwifery program is due to commence in mid-March.
nadine.morton@fairfaxmedia.com.au