Q. Looking back over the last financial year, what were your biggest highlights?
A: I was truly moved by the response to our Christmas Wish Appeal, through which we raised funds to fulfil the final wishes of patients in palliative care, and create special memories for them and their families.I want to sincerely thank our supporters for their amazing contributions over the last year - in total, philanthropic support over the past financial year has enabled us to raise $3.14 million to continue to bring advanced treatments and personalised, compassionate care to patients and clients across the country. For everything you do, I am truly grateful.
Q. What’s coming up for St John of God Foundation?
A. The men and women who have served in our defence forces and first responders in police, fire, ambulance and emergency services, sacrifice a great deal to protect us.Sadly, through their line of work, they suffer from mental health trauma at a much higher rate than the general population. St John of God Health Care is a pioneer in the field of service related trauma and delivers these incredible services, currently out of our two NSW based hospitals. The Foundation will support this important work, in response to unmet needs within the community, and at a time when the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide is prompting urgent action from Government.
St John of God Subiaco Hospital in WA is also undergoing a major redevelopment that is in advanced planning stages. The Foundation will continue to play an important role in enabling a world-class private hospital to help meet the needs of Western Australians in areas such as cardiac care, maternity and neonatal care, comprehensive cancer care, advanced surgery and leading medical research.
Aligned to the role of the Foundation since its inception in 1994, we are privileged to support the communities served by our hospitals and services in WA, NSW and VIC, facilitating generous contributions from individuals, community groups and businesses to fuel excellence and innovation in patient care and medical research.
Q. Who is someone you admire?
A. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to attend pilgrimage and learn more about the life of John of God, the patron saint who inspired the Sisters and Brothers of St John of God, and continues to inspire the work of our hospitals and services today. St John of God and the early brothers became so well known for helping the poor and sick, that the community got behind him and funded the first hospital in Granada, Spain.I admire John’s dedication and selflessness, and feel so proud that the St John of God Health Care we know today is built on this rich legacy of hospitality, compassion and giving.