New equipment will help to improve patient comfort at Babinda Hospital, thanks to the generosity of the local Pyramid Highleigh Freemasons Lodge.
With the assistance of Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland, the Lodge has committed more than $5,000 to help Babinda Hospital to purchase two standard and two bariatric wheelchairs as well as a laryngoscope.
Pyramid Highleigh Freemasons Lodge representative Mal Holst said it’s not the first time they’ve gotten behind the local hospital which looks after as many as 3,500 patients a year.
“The Freemasons support of Babinba Hospital dates back many years and following the recent amalgamation of Bartle Frere and Pyramid Highleigh Lodges, we made the unanimous decision to make this donation to the hospital,” Mal said.
“The work of Babinda Hospital is essential to the region, given that the next closest hospitals are in Cairns and Innisfail and the more resources that we have locally, the better it is for the community.
“The new wheelchairs will help to ensure more patients move through the hospital with ease and without delay. While the additional laryngoscope will help with the examination of patients’ throat, larynx or voice box.”
Hand Heart Pocket Chief Executive Officer Gary Mark said the organisation was pleased to augment the grassroots charity work of Pyramid Highleigh Freemasons Lodge.
“Enhancing the quality of life of patients in smaller rural hospitals is a very worthy cause, and we are appreciative of Pyramid Highleigh Freemasons Lodge for identifying this need in their local area,” Gary said.
“By combining our efforts, we have been able to make a bigger difference for the community of Babinda.”
Photo: Pyramid Highleigh Freemasons Lodge representatives alongside Babinda Hospital staff.
