About Friends of the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Inc.

Friends of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital is a non-for-profit association made up of a team of Volunteers who look after the two shops in the Hospital, and our Members who run the Auxiliaries around the state and organise fundraising events in their local communities.

The Women’s and Children’s Hospital

The Women’s and Children’s Hospital supports vital community based services in metropolitan and regional areas, gives specialist care to children and young people with acute and chronic conditions and, is the state’s largest maternity and obstetric service.

Our hospital is also an educational hub for doctors, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals. In conjunction with universities and via the Centre for Education and Training it provides initial and ongoing training, education, courses and educational support for health professionals across the state

How the Friends of the WCH make a difference

As a not-for-profit organisation, Friends:

• Provide services and financial assistance to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
• Add to the comfort and peace of mind of the patients of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and their families.
• Foster and encourage a better understanding of the important services which the Women’s and Children’s Hospital provides.

Funds raised from each of the Auxilliaries goes towards much needed extra equipment for the hospital.

Specific Equipment purchased with funds raised by the Queen Victoria Auxiliary

• PCA Pumps x 4
• Audio Visual Equipment
• Yoga Mats for Physiotherapy Department
• Vital Sign Monitors x 2
• Ameda Elite Breast Pumps x 5

Equipment purchased by Friends for the WCH is done in consultation with the Hospital

The consultative and decision making process for deciding what types of equipment are needed each year is done between Friends and the various hospital departments. Fundraising goals are established if there are some specific larger items that are needed.

Below are some examples of the types of lifesaving and important equipment that Friends have been able to purchase for the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Anaesthetic Machine

The delivery of anaesthetic agents is a complex and critical part of patient management during surgical procedures. Typically anaesthetic gases need to be delivered to the patient in carefully controlled doses, with a range of parameters being monitored to ensure that this is occurring adequately. During anaesthesia the patient will require assistance with their breathing; a ventilator is therefore required to perform this function. All of the required technology is incorporated into a single system known as an anaesthetic machine. The hospital utilised Auxiliary funds to purchase a compact machine that could be used to anaesthesia children in a more calming environment outside of the operating theatre itself. The unit purchased was a Drager brand Fabius Tiro model valued at around $30,000

Cardiotocographs

During childbirth it is critical to monitor the status of the soon to be born baby. One of the important parameters is the foetal heart rate, particularly because the manner in which this heart rate is affected by the mother’s contractions is an excellent indicator of the baby’s status. The heart rate can be measured using an ultrasound transducer that is able to detect the activity of the foetal heart and contractions can be recorded using a sensor that is attached to the mother’s abdomen. These two measures are combined into a single unit called a cardiotocograph or CTG. The information can be displayed on a screen, printed onto paper and connected to the hospital’s electronic recording system for safe keeping and later reference. The system purchased also has the added advantage of a wireless connection to the measurement transducers that allows the mother-to-be to move around freely whilst still being monitored without needing to be attached to the CTG with cables. The units purchased were the Philips brand Avalon model and more than $30,000 each

Neo-Natal Incubators

These are an essential item of equipment used in the management and care of our smallest and most vulnerable babies. They provide a completely managed environment in which not only the temperature, but the humidity (with them often being referred to as “humi-cribs”) and oxygen concentration are accurately controlled. This is challenged by the need to have ready access to the baby that is being cared for, the incubators therefore have a comprehensive system of hatches and ports for clinical staff and the myriad of lines and tubes that are required. Newborns will spend any amount of time in one of these incubators ranging from hours to months and it re-assuring for everyone involved to know that the latest model of these German manufactured units is available for immediate use when required. Drager brand, model Isolette 8000 units were purchased and a cost of just under $30,000 each

Slit Lamp

When a patient arrives in the Paediatric Emergency Department with an eye injury or symptoms, it is important that a comprehensive examination of the eye is promptly undertaken. The main piece of equipment used to do this is called a slit lamp. It comprises a light source to illuminate the eye appropriately, magnifying lenses so that the clinician can get a detailed view of all of the eye’s structures and a head rest system so that the patient can remain still and comfortable throughout the examination. The precision unit purchased was of the Haag Streit brand, model BM900 valued at approximately $20,000.

Vital Signs Monitors

Many patients within the WCH need to be under close observation and there are a range of what are referred to as a patient’s “vital signs” that are monitored. These are key physiological parameters which clinical staff need to regularly record as an indication of patients progress or management. They include blood pressure and the concentration of oxygen within the blood, known as oxygen saturation. Blood pressure is measured by placing a cuff around the arm, that is inflated with measurements being made electronically whilst the cuff is subsequently deflated. Oxygen saturation can be determined by simply attaching a small probe to the patient, usually on a finger, that measures transmitted light and calculates the oxygen levels. For convenience these units can be combined into a single portable unit called a vital signs monitor. These can be taken from bed to bed whilst a clinician is doing routine observations, or left attached to a patient that requires some closer monitoring for short period of time. Auxiliary funding was utilised to purchase a number of Welch Allyn brand Connex CVSM vital signs monitors at $4,500 each

Our People

The commitment and dedication of the members and staff of the Friends is evident in the ongoing success of the organisation to support the work of the hospital in caring for the women, children and young people of South Australia.

Staff

Council

Auxiliaries Division / State Council

Shops Auxiliary Division Committee

Queen Victoria Committee

Friends Life Members

Life Membership is awarded to Members who have provided outstanding service to the association for at least 15 years. The awards are recommended by each Division and are ratified by the Coordinating Council annually.

Honour Roll – Adelaide, Hills & South Coast Auxiliary Members

Honour Roll – Barossa Valley & Mid North Auxiliary Members

Honour Roll – Eyre Peninsula Auxiliary Members

Honour Roll – Murrey Mallee & Upper South East Auxiliary Members

Honour Roll – North West Auxiliary Members

Honour Roll – Northern Auxiliary Members

Honour Roll – Riverland Auxiliary Members

Honour Roll – South East Auxiliary Members

Honour Roll – Yorke Peninsula Auxiliary Members

Annual Conference & AGM

The Friends Conference is held annually at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. It provides an occasion for members from around the state to meet and participate in an event that celebrates our collective achievements throughout the year. On the day we enjoy a special guest speaker, and the Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer updates us on significant achievements and activities within the Women’s and Children’s Health Network.

It is a great opportunity to see demonstrations of the equipment purchased with funds we have raised and learn how it benefits departments throughout the hospital network.

The conference is also the time we delight in awarding Life Memberships to Friends who have given outstanding service to our organisation.

The two annual recipients of the Friends Fellowship Program, which is awarded for research, study or professional development to non-medical Hospital staff, also present at the conference.

We always enjoy a lovely lunch together and the conference coincides with the Annual General Meetings of the Friends of the WCH Inc. and the Auxiliaries Divisions.

History of the Friends

The Friends of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Incorporated (Friends) was established in 1993 following the amalgamation of the Adelaide Children’s and Queen Victoria Hospital’s to form the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in 1989. This led to the merger of the established groups of supporters to create the Friends which consisted of approximately 2,000 members from five Divisions.

The Divisions were:
• The WCH Auxiliaries
• The WCH Volunteers
• The WCH Shops Auxiliaries
• The Beryl Lipman Committee
• The QVH Unley Park Auxiliary (later to become the Queen Victoria Auxiliary Division)

A Coordinating Council was formed to manage the affairs of Friends with the first members being:
• Barbara Lamkin (Chairman) Representative, Auxiliaries Division
• Pat Bockner (Vice Chairman) Representative, Volunteer Division (QVH site)
• Heather Konzag Representative, Auxiliaries Division
• Toni Micarelli Representative, Volunteer Division (ACH site)
• Maurine Richter Representative, Shops Division (ACH site)
• Anne Saunders Representative, Shops Division (QVH site)
• Jean Ligertwood Representative, Beryl Lipman Committee
• Ann McLoughney Representative, QVH Unley Park Auxiliaries
• Chris Osterman Director of Public Relations, WCH

The first appointed Patron for Friends was The Honourable Dame Roma Mitchell, AC, DBE Governor of South Australia who held the position until 1995. Lady Mary Downer became the second Patron for Friends and remained in the position for 20 years until her passing in 2015 which brought about the appointment of Associate Professor Doctor Ross Haslam as Patron.

After 30 years of dedicated service to the hospital the Beryl Lipman Committee decided not to continue and held their last meeting in December 1997.

Towards the end of 2014, The Volunteer Service Division decided that their core purpose no longer met the objects of the Friends and a decision was made by all members that the Volunteer Service Division of the Friends of the WCH Inc, be wound up as a Division of the Friends.

The Friends provide a variety of services to the hospital including:
• Operating of two hospital shops providing a service and funds
• Raising of funds for the WCH and dissimilation of health promotion information by the state-wide Auxiliaries Division
• Raising of funds for the Women’s and Babies Division by the Queen Victoria Auxiliary.

Over the 23 years the Friends have operated, they have raised & donated over 10 million dollars to the hospital.

The Friends continue to provide a valuable link between the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and the South Australian community.

History of Queen Victoria Auxiliary

In 1980, a group of women – some of whom were past trainees of the Queen Victoria Hospital in Rose Park, and led by Margaret Hickinbotham’s (herself a past midwife) – started a fundraising committee in aid of the hospital.

Initially called the Unley Park Queen Victoria Auxiliary, they raised monies by holding many functions – very successful Melbourne Cup Luncheons, Plays, Film Nights, Bridge Days and Morning Teas. Venues over the years have been varied but include Carrick Hill, Ayers House and the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.

In 1995 when the Queen Victoria Hospital and the Adelaide Children’s Hospital amalgamated, the Queen Victoria Auxiliary (QVA) became part of the Friends of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Auxiliaries Inc. Funds raised by the QVA particularly go towards much needed equipment in the Women’s and Babies’ Division.

These days our activities are varied, however, Film Nights and Bridge Days are popular, and a fabulous Fashion Parade towards the end of the year is usually sold out.

The Auxiliary meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, usually at the hospital, and we invite anyone interested to join.

History of the Auxiliaries Division

In 1992, the Adelaide Children’s Hospital Auxiliaries Association of South Australia which had been operating since 1958, became a Division of the newly formed ‘The Friends of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Inc.’ This association was formed as a result of the Adelaide Children’s Hospital and Queen Victoria Hospital amalgamation to incorporate all the fundraising divisions.

The oldest active volunteer group is the Dorcas Society formed in 1897; eighteen years after the Hospital opened its doors and admitted the first patient.

Today our Auxiliaries Division has 32 fundraising groups spread across South Australia. Your involvement through an Auxiliary will assist in funding much needed medical equipment contributing to the health and well-being of women and children in SA.

The History of the Shops Division

This group was founded in 1927 by a team of doctor’s wives who joined together to provide refreshments for outpatients and visitors to the Hospital.

The current group of volunteers provides the same service but has also developed into a powerful fundraising unit for the provision of much-needed medical equipment for the Hospital. The combined efforts of Vics Coffee Shop and Rainbows Kiosk raise approximately $400,000 each year.

Our volunteers , through their weekly contact, form close and long lasting friendships while knowing they are contributing to the health and well-being of children in South Australia.

Our Friends are active members of the Auxiliaries Division, Queen Victoria Auxiliary Division, and Shops Auxiliary Division.

The association is overseen by a Council, made up of representatives from the three Divisions.

Auxiliaries Division

• President
• Vice President
• Immediate Past President
• Friends Council President
• 3 Past Presidents
• 9 Regional Chairmen
• 1 Co-opted Member

Shops Auxiliary Division

• President
• Vice President
• 6 Members
• 1 Co-opted Member