Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW) is pleased to announce the arrival of two state-of-the-art neonatal resuscitation cots, known as Panda Warmers, for its Maternity Unit. These essential pieces of equipment were made possible through the generous support of our local community.
Thanks to the collective efforts of our community, the appeal reached its $70,000 target, enabling the purchase of these critical units and strengthening NHW’s capacity to deliver high-quality neonatal care. This achievement highlights the power of community spirit and the meaningful impact that local generosity continues to have on the care we provide to our smallest patients.
The Panda Warmers provide advanced neonatal care by stabilising newborns immediately after birth, ensuring they receive the best possible start in life. These units are a vital addition to NHW’s Maternity Unit, replacing ageing equipment and supporting the delivery of high-quality care to newborns in the region.
NHW extends its heartfelt thanks to the Szeligiewicz family and the entire Ava Milawa team for their dedication and hard work in organising the fundraising dinner. The Ava Milawa Fundraising Dinner raised an impressive $17,000, significantly contributing to NHW’s Neonatal Fundraising Appeal. The support from local businesses, suppliers, and individuals who contributed to the event has made a lasting impact on the care provided to newborns and their families.
Kim Bennetts, NHW Executive Director of People and Corporate Operations, expressed her gratitude, stating, “We are truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from our community. We also want to thank Local community fund Give Wangaratta who matched community donations of $10,000. Reaching our fundraising target means we can now provide even greater care for newborns in our region. On behalf of NHW, I want to thank everyone involved.”
NHW also thanked media partners EdgeFM and The Chronicle for their support of the campaign.
The arrival of the Panda Warmers marks a significant milestone in NHW’s commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services to the community. These units will play a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of the region’s most vulnerable patients.