By Laura Michell
A campaign to upgrade 60 defibrillators across Northern Health’s centres has been kick-started by a $50,000 donation.
The Northern Health Foundation recently launched the campaign, which aims to raise $450,000.
Long-time Northern Health supporter Alex Robertson last month donated $50,000 to the campaign on behalf of the Australian Hotels Association Victoria.
The money was raised during the AHA Victoria annual HotelCare Golf Day.
Mr Robertson, who grew up in Epping, and his family have been supporters of The Northern Hospital for 20 years.
Mr Robertson said he was passionate about giving back to the community.
“If there is any way that you can give back, seize the opportunity,” he said. “There is great joy in knowing you have helped someone else, even in a small way.”
Northern Health cardiology director and divisional director of emergency services Bill van Gaal said the defibrillator upgrades would ensure the best equipment was available to northern suburbs residents experiencing heart failure.
“While early CPR is crucial in the event of a cardiac arrest, defibrillators are ultimately what is needed to restart your heart,” he said. “It is important these are readily accessible and easy to use for our staff.”
