By Laura Michell
The Northern Health Foundation is calling on the Whittlesea and Hume communities to dig deep to help ensure Northern Hospital can provide the best possible care for COVID-19 patients.
The foundation has launched a COVID-19 rapid response fund, designed to “accelerate and increase” Northern Health’s capacity to care for COVID-19 patients.
The fund will also provide support for frontline staff.
Northern Health said it was playing a central role in responding to the coronavirus outbreak across the northern suburbs.
“We are preparing for a significant increase in patients needing support and treatment in our fever clinic, respiratory unit and intensive care unit over the coming weeks and months.
“Our dedicated staff are working hard to keep our community safe, and they need your help during this challenging time.”
The foundation said donations would support Northern Health fund 27 high-flow oxygen machines for COVID-19 patients who require higher than normal volume of oxygen.
According to the foundation, this is one of the first treatments delivered to COVID-19 patients when they are admitted to hospital.
Donations will also help the foundation buy two additional ultrasound machines to support the monitoring of lung changes in patients with severe pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome as a result of contracting coronavirus, and help ensure frontline medical staff have access to health and wellbeing support.
To donate to the rapid response fund, call 8405 2313 or visit: nhfoundation.org.au.
