The Bowral Hospital Auxiliary recently bought more than $48,000 worth of new equipment for the hospital, including two beds that support high-risk patients prone to falls. 

The beds are fully automated and are fitted with alarms that alert doctors and nurses if a patient has fallen, or is trying to get out of bed. 

Bowral nurse unit manager Kerry Walton said the beds would make a huge difference to the hospital. 

“They will decrease the number of falls, particularly in dementia patients,” she said. 

“The also have higher-range mattresses which will make a big difference.” 

Along with the beds, 16 new tables and five new Niki pumps for palliative care patients were purchased by the auxiliary. 

Ms Walton said the hospital relied on the support of the auxiliaries. 

“We have a wish list that [the auxiliaries] purchase from and it would be really difficult for us without their support,” she said. 

Bowral Hospital Auxiliary secretary Wendy Pedley said members were pleased to give the hospital such important equipment. 

“Our jobs is to assist the hospital and we are very happy to help them,” she said. 

Since 2010, the Bowral Auxiliary has donated more than $398,000 in goods and equipment to Bowral and District Hospital. 

“We hold fashion parades and fundraisers throughout the year to raise this money and we will continue to do so in future,” Ms Pedley said. 

Member Peg Harvey said new members were always welcome to join the Auxiliary. 

“we don’t just hold fundraisers,” she said. “We also volunteer at the hospital among other things and we are always looking for new members.” 

To become a member or volunteer, contact Wendy on 0414 287 655.