Charlies Foundation for Research is seeking to raise $100,000 in 24 hours to fund patient-care projects at Sir Charles Gairdner and Osborne Park hospitals in Perth.
The foundation’s annual Giving Day on Wednesday will support seven initiatives developed by hospital teams working in cancer care, transplant research, emergency and intensive care, and Osborne Park Hospital’s ward four.
Foundation chief executive Vicki Rasmussen said the projects focused on practical improvements that could have a significant effect on patients and their families during treatment and recovery.
“Giving Day gives our community the opportunity to directly support projects that hospital teams know will make a difference to patients and families,” she said.
Donations made during the appeal will be matched by the foundation’s partners.
Projects to improve care at Perth hospitals
One team hoping to benefit is led by senior physiotherapist Christiane Purcell-Wells at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital’s breast centre. It is seeking funding for two specialised scanners to help identify and treat breast lymphedema at an earlier stage.
Lymphedema occurs when fluid builds up in soft tissue and can develop after breast cancer treatment. It can affect survivors’ comfort, mobility and quality of life.
Ms Purcell-Wells said lymphedema affecting the arm or shoulder was better understood and managed than the condition in breast tissue.
“It’s much easier to deal with early changes than established lymphedema,” she said.
The scanners would measure water content in the breast over time, allowing clinicians to assess changes, provide treatment and help patients manage the condition themselves.
Other Giving Day projects include replacing the celebration bells rung by patients completing treatment at Sir Charles Gairdner’s Cancer Centre, introducing artwork and creating opportunities for people to leave messages of hope.
Funding will also support staff, equipment, travel and professional development in the hospital’s immunology and transplantation laboratory, as well as upgrades to facilities used by emergency department staff for training.
At Osborne Park Hospital, ward four will use its funding to improve a therapeutic garden, creating a safe, accessible and stimulating space designed to be suitable for people living with dementia and their visiting families.
Ms Rasmussen said the projects were intended to help patients have better experiences and outcomes when using the hospitals.
“We fully believe that when our community comes together for one day, we can achieve our $100,000 target, which is extraordinary for our hospitals and the people who rely on them,” she said.
