Freemasons generosity lights up surgery

A generous donation from a disbanded community group has helped to light up Grampians Health Stawell’s operating suite and support safe, high-quality care.

The $5700 donation from the retired Freemasons, facilitated through the Stawell Hospital Auxiliary, has funded new specialised equipment including laparoscopic instruments and a surgeon's headlight, supporting surgical teams to deliver safe, high-quality care for patients undergoing a range of procedures.

Grampians Health Stawell Perioperative Manager Sally Hamilton said the new equipment would support the operating theatre team to continue providing industry-leading surgical care for patients locally.

"Laparoscopic surgery is less invasive and plays an important role in improving patient outcomes, often resulting in smaller incisions, reduced pain and faster recovery times," Ms Hamilton said.

"The additional laparoscopic instruments will support a range of procedures performed in our Operating Suite, while the surgeon's headlight provides enhanced visibility during surgery, allowing our teams to work with greater precision.

"Access to specialised equipment like this is incredibly valuable and ensures our teams have the resources they need to provide high-quality care for our patients."

Stawell Hospital Auxiliary President Judith Burke said the donation reflected the longstanding commitment the Freemasons had shown to supporting healthcare in the local community.

"This final donation from the Freemasons marks the end of many years of generosity and support for our community, and we are honoured to see their legacy continue through this contribution," Ms Burke said.

"The Auxiliary was pleased to facilitate this donation, ensuring the funds were directed towards equipment that will make a lasting difference for patients and our theatre teams.

"We sincerely thank the Freemasons for their many years of support for our community. Their generosity will continue to make a difference through the equipment they have helped provide for Grampians Health Stawell."

Grampians Health Acting Chief People Officer Tamara Reynolds thanked the Freemasons for their generosity and thanked the Auxiliary for administering the funds to make the purchase happen.

“Our operating suite teams in Stawell are working with state-of-the-art equipment thanks to the wonderful support from our partnering community groups,” Ms Reynolds said.

“Collaborating with fund-raising partners like the Auxiliary and Freemasons continually helps us to deliver high-quality care responsive to local needs.”