By Derek Schlennstedt
As a mother to three boys – aged one, five and seven – Olinda local Natasha Laurie has spent more time in the Angliss Hospital paediatric ward than she would care to remember.
From broken bones, to croup and asthma attacks, Ms Laurie has spent innumerable hours in waiting rooms and has already made 10 trips to the Angliss this year.
It was during a recent 16-hour wait that Ms Laurie recognised the need for a recreation room for kids and decided to start a fundraiser.
“We have had a shocking year of Hospital trips …around 8-9 trips to hospital between the three boys,” she said.
“The last time I was there at the Angliss with my 5-year-old son we spent 16 hours in paediatric department. For the first few hours it wasn’t too bad.
“when he first started to perk up we occupied him with our phone, but after about 7-8 hours my phone ran out of battery and there was nowhere to charge it.”
“There was no TV in the common room or cubicles and he was just in tears by the end, because he just wanted to go home.”
Ms Laurie said while there were some toys, they were only appropriate for toddlers.
Rather than complain about the lack of entertainment options, she decided to contribute and has organised a fundraiser walk with all proceeds going towards buying kids entertainment equipment for the Paediatric ward at the Angliss Hospital.
“We have spent some time at the Royal Children’s and Monash and you can’t compare it, but you go to those hospitals and there’s trolleys with toys and charging points on every desk.”
“We’re so grateful that the Angliss is there, but I think it’s time there’s a bit more support for our local hospital.
“Toys are going to be pretty far down on the priority list and that’s why I thought if we could get $2000 together just for entertainment – some chargers and some Ipads – it would make those visits a lot easier.”
To support the hospital Ms Laurie has organised a 12km walk from Emerald to Gembrook on 12 October.
Tickets cost $40 and al the money raised will be donated to the Angliss Hospital.
“We’re walking 12km from Emerald to Gembrook, finishing at The Station House for pizza & wine to raise money for entertainment equipment to help soothe, distract and occupy sick and injured kids during their hospital stays.”
“The Angliss Hospital Paediatric Ward do an incredible job for our families when we need it most. However, some of the facilities don’t quite match the amazing work of the staff.”
To book a ticket and for more information go to https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=548131&
