Isaac Jones, the face of the 2010 Good Friday Appeal, will perform a final official duty tonight when he presents a record breaking cheque for $14,462,000 to Professor Christine Kilpatrick, CEO, The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH).
Donors from all round Victoria contributed this amazing amount to support clinical care, research and family services at the RCH.
The Good Friday Appeal funds are directed to a number of areas in the hospital and this year, some of the key areas where funds will be used include:
- A surgical package worth more than $1 million dollars to fund the very latest in advanced surgical equipment that gives our surgeons the ability to perform advanced surgery on our young patients
- A harmonic scalpel – a relatively new technology which makes it possible to safely and quickly perform operations such as the complete or partial removal of a kidney or spleen laparoscopically (through key-hole surgery).
- A Transcutaneous Monitor – a vital piece of equipment that monitors children’s oxygen levels. This means that ventilated patients can be cared for in their own homes with their families safe in the knowledge that their oxygen levels will be regularly monitored.
- We will also fund ongoing programs and initiatives such as the pain management program, Macadamia the in-house TV program for children, and the music therapy program.
“This is another fantastic result and the generosity of Victorians has again been overwhelming,” Professor Kilpatrick said.
“We are truly honored and privileged to have such incredible community support – it is certainly like nothing I have experienced at other hospitals.
“Because of the public’s generous support and the Good Friday Appeal we are able to offer programs that set us apart and make RCH one of the world’s GREAT children’s hospital.”