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A DREAM five years in the making was realised for Shoalhaven Hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses Christine Trost and Kathy Schofield on Monday.
Their plan to make over of a courtyard adjacent to ICU, to enable more patients to use the outdoor area as part of their recovery, was officially opened.
After officially launching their fundraising campaign three and a half years ago, with the help of work colleagues, community members and groups, local businesses, a grant from the Veolia Mulwaree Trust and a substantial anonymous donation the planned upgrade has been completed.
“There’s been a lot of hard work along the way,” Christine said.
“A lot of fundraising and a lot of events,” Kathy said.
They’ve raised $38,000 to fulfill their dream.
“We’ve held all types of events,” Christine said - Melbourne Cup luncheons, movie and trivia nights, raffles, even a ball.
“We have been so lucky to have had great support from our fellow staff,” Kathy said.
“Also local organisations like the Bomaderry Lions and Shoalhaven Lioness Club. Local businesses like the Berry Hotel and Kinghorn Motor Group have been great supporters. We also received a $10,000 anonymous donation.”
A grant from the Veolia Mulwaree Trust allowed the final piece of the courtyard puzzle, an undercover area, to become a reality.
“To feel the sun on my face, was like water to a thirsty man.”
- Tim O’Brien, ICU patient (November 20, 2009 - April 28, 2010).
The project has seen the creation of a sensory garden incorporating respiratory-safe plants, a weatherproof covered area and a more practical entry for patient beds and associated equipment.
Double doors have been installed to allow easy access, while medical oxygen and air and a resuscitation bell has also been installed.
The Nowra Men’s Shed also donated a kids’ activity board.
Three of the 10 rooms in the unit face out onto the courtyard, so the upgrade will also provide visual stimulation for patients.
“Previously the courtyard was the bare minimum outdoor space,” Christine said.
“There were overgrown garden beds, no easy access for patients and no oxygen access for patients.”
She said for patients who have been in ICU for an extended period, simple pleasures like being able to see and feel the sun, some greenery or a breeze has a remarkable impact on their healing.
It is hoped the area will also become a sanctuary for families and visitors of patients who are critically unwell, as well as provide staff who work in this often stressful and emotional environment a place of respite during their breaks.
The pair said inspiration for the make over came from former patient Tim O’Brien who spent almost six months in intensive care in late 2009, early 2010, after being struck down by Guillain-Barré syndrome, which had left him paralysed.
“Tim was and outside guy, a surfer, who loved the sun and the water,” Kathy said.
“We were able to get Tim outside and he loved it.
“His quote ‘To feel the sun on my face, was like water to a thirsty man’ kept us inspired and enthused.
“It became our motto.”
Deputy Director of Nursing Brad Scotcher paid credit to Kathy and Christine, saying they overcame many challenges in making their dream a reality.
“We now have an extra clinical space for patients to use outdoors. It is a bit more pleasant than the clinical environment we have inside, not just for the patients but for family and carers,” he said.
The man who inspired the make over, Tim O’Brien, of Burrill Lake, was give the honour of officially opening the new courtyard area.