Giving Circle grant to fund vital equipment

Members of the Women for Western Health Giving Circle have delivered their first grant to fund a vital piece of equipment for Sunshine Hospital.

The group of local philanthropists was established in 2021 with the aim to connect like-minded individuals across Melbourne’s west. A first of its kind in the local area, the group raised $57,000 in their first year.

“The Giving Circle is a trailblazing new way to give back to the community,” said Julia Harper, Western Health Foundation Director.

Staff and clinicians from Western Health were invited to apply for the grant and showcase their work. Four applications were shortlisted to present to the group who voted on which project would receive funding.

Dr Oliver Daly, Head of Urogynaecology at Western Health was awarded the grant to purchase a new piece of equipment that will help diagnose and reduce the risk of long-term complications from birth-related tears.

In his presentation, Dr Daly shared Fiona’s story which gave a harrowing account of the implications of undiagnosed or untreated severe tears during childbirth. Fiona experienced long-term complications and side effects after giving birth to her first child. If the equipment had been available at the time, she would not have suffered in silence for so long.

“This grant means that we will be able to purchase the equipment immediately to help more than 150 patients each year, like Fiona, who experience severe tears during childbirth at Sunshine Hospital. Thank you to the Women for Western Health Giving Circle members and the Western Health Foundation for their support,” said Dr Oliver Daly.

To find out more information about the Women for Western Health Giving Circle or to make a donation, click here.

Image: L-R Julia Harper - Western Health Foundation Director, Dr Oliver Daly – Head of Urogynaecology at Western Health and Adj Professor Russell Harrison CEO Western Health