With the arrival of another long, hot summer in the Red Centre, the Drovers Volunteer Service has funded the purchase of eight ice machines for the patients at Alice Springs Hospital.

“It was recently identified that the existing ice machines needed to be replaced and when the Drovers found out they immediately donated the $44,000 needed to pay for the new equipment,” said Naomi Heinrich, General Manager Alice Springs Hospital.

“The Drovers are an integral part of the fabric of the hospital and this is an example of how generous these volunteers are and how much they care about the wellbeing of our patients.”

The eight ice machines are being installed in all hospital wards and will be available for both staff and patients to use.

“This is really a hands-on gift from us because we frequently use the ice to chill drinks for the patients during our rounds,” said Nella Willis, Chairperson of the Drovers.

“We were lucky the equipment could be sourced from a local supplier and there was not a lengthy wait for it to arrive.”

The Drovers Volunteer Service has been improving patients’ stay at Alice Springs hospital since 2007 and has raised more than $600,000 for much-needed equipment for the hospital.

“We couldn’t raise the money without the wonderful public support we receive from the people of Central Australia and beyond,” said Mrs Willis.

But it’s not just the fundraising this highly valued service delivers – its volunteers have provided more than 44,000 hours of service since inception.

Twice a day the volunteers visit the wards with their trolley loaded with books, magazines, puzzles, toiletries, reading glasses and a plethora of goodies to benefit patients on wards. Tea and coffee is provided to patients and visitors in the Emergency Department, Transit Lounge and Outpatients Monday to Friday.

Thank you to the Drovers Volunteer Service for continuing to provide care and comfort to the patients of the Alice Springs Hospital.

Media Contact: Gail Turner – 0476 839 383