The facility board at False Bay Hospital has set up an independent fundraising arm to raise funds for the general improvement of the hospital and services to the community.
The False Bay Hospital Trust was established last year and is based on the model of the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital Trust.
In order to kick-start effective fund-raising, the trust is looking for an endowment of R5 million or any contributions towards
it.
Trustee and board member, Charles Maisel said all funds raised by it will be used for the upliftment of the hospital such as improving infrastructure, a backup generator, training of staff, staff wellness programmes, equipment and improvement of efficiency through technology, among others.
Last year, funds raised by the facility board and by the False Bay Hospital Association, a registered fund-raising organisation, assisted with the funding of a defibrillator, an ultrasound machine and a borehole.
Mr Maisel said an independent fund-raiser will be appointed by the trust to raise funds for the hospital on a full-time basis.
The model is known to be effective and the trust is sponsored by outside sources so money raised is not used for day-to-day operating costs.
All contributions are fully tax deductible and will be receipted with a tax certificate.
He said the trust is in a
position to quickly and effectively address the needs of the hospital and staff and a generous donation of R 360 000 from Nussbaum foundation trustee, Mosa le Roux will help with covering costs for the first fund-raiser.
The manager for medical services at False Bay Hospital, Dr Wendy Waddington, said approximately 100 000 people are serviced by the hospital and due to the socio-economic conditions in the far south, the number of patients grows on a daily basis.
The hospital is currently operating at more than 100% capacity and fund-raising to improve services to the community is crucial.
“The support of the community is essential and appreciated in assisting the hospital to maintain quality services,” she said.
She added that the hospital was grateful for Ms Le Roux’s donation.
“False Bay Hospital management supports the provincial government’s goal of providing world-class services for all,” she said.
This, Mr Maisel said, can be achieved by raising funds aggressively.
If you are able to make a contribution or for more information about the trust, call Dr Waddington on 021 782 1121 x115 or email wendy.waddington@westerncape.gov.za
