The Humpty Dumpty Foundation has presented two Connex Vital Signs Monitors to the hospital's emergency department.

The monitors allow accurate assessment of vital signs like temperature, blood pressure and oxygen saturation levels in the paediatric setting, enabling improved clinical outcomes.

The reusable finger sensor allows for freedom of movement and provides the ability to care for children in multiple situations.

Emergency Department Nurse Unit Manager Wendy Fetchet said the monitors were a superb piece of equipment which would aid the day to day running of the ED, especially in paediatrics.

“One monitor will be located in the triage area to allow a quick work up of our young patients when they arrive, and the other will be in the ED’s paediatric ward,” she said.

This monitors are valued at $6200.

Mrs Fetchet praised ED Clinical Nurse Educator Sharyn Balzer, who has been the “driving force” behind the submissions to the foundation, attempting to gain the machines.

“Sharyn is unwavering in her determination in obtaining extra equipment for the ED,” she said.

“The hospital has been extremely fortunate to have gained several pieces of equipment in the past few years via the foundation.”

Ms Balzer said the monitors were an essential piece of equipment.

“The machines allow staff to make quick and easy assessments of our young patients,” she said.

“In the past we haven’t had a machine permanently based in the ED and we would have to borrow them from other departments.

“Now we have two based here all the time.

“Being portable machines they allow the patients to be continually monitored no matter what they are doing or where they are.”

Shoalhaven Hospital received is first monitor last December thanks to ongoing fundraising efforts by local Independent Grocers of Australia (IGA) and the foundation.

The Humpty Dumpty Foundation has now raised well over $60 million, making a significant impact on the lives of sick and injured children at hospitals and health service centres in every state of Australia.

“Humpty is committed to making a difference to young lives across Australia and we are pleased to make this much-needed donation,” said Humpty Dumpty Foundation Founder and Executive Chairman, Paul Francis.

“Through our various fundraising initiatives and of course, with the generosity of our donors and supporters, we are able to donate these vital and often, life-saving pieces of medical equipment to hospitals and health services across the country to ensure the best possible outcome for Aussie lives.”

Mr Francis established the foundation 28 years ago.  

It has enjoyed long-time support from its patron, television journalist Ray Martin, ambassador/board member Olympian Jane Flemming, and ambassador and founder of the Humpty Dumpty Balmoral Burn Wallaby great Phil Kearns.

Through annual fundraising initiatives including the Good Egg lunch, Balmoral Burn and the Great Humpty Ball along with the support of generous individual and corporate donors, in 2017 the Humpty Dumpty Foundation delivered around 500 pieces of medical equipment to hospitals across Australia.  

One of the Humpty Dumpty Foundation's breakthrough fundraising methods was the creation of ‘Humpty’s Wish List’ in 2001.

Each piece of essential medical equipment that appears on the regularly updated Wish List has been requested specifically by the hospital to meet an immediate need.  

The medical equipment requested is stringently assessed by the foundation’s medical sub-committee made up of senior medical administrators and clinical specialists, before it is added to ‘Humpty’s Wish List’.

To date, 363 hospitals across the nation have benefited from the life-saving medical equipment, specifically to care for children and babies, provided by the Humpty Dumpty Foundation and its amazing “Good Egg” supporters.   

Locals, community and business organisations interested in supporting the Humpty Dumpty Foundation and their local hospital by donating a piece of medical equipment or by making a donation can view the wish-list at www.humpty.com.au or contact the Humpty Dumpty Foundation on  9419 2410.