SGH Auxiliary Donation Enhances Patient Safety and Comfort

South Gippsland Hospital would like to extend its sincere thanks to the SGH Auxiliary for their generous donation of two proximate falls alarms and two pressure injury prevention mattresses. This thoughtful contribution will have a meaningful impact on the safety, comfort and quality of care we provide to our patients.

Falls remain one of the most significant risks for people receiving care in hospital. Being in an unfamiliar environment, combined with illness, reduced mobility, medication side effects, confusion, fatigue, or sudden changes in clinical condition, can all increase a person’s risk of falling. Even a seemingly minor fall can result in serious injury, loss of confidence, prolonged recovery, and additional time in hospital.

The new proximate falls alarms will assist staff to identify when patients at risk of falls are attempting to mobilise independently, allowing timely assistance to be provided. This additional layer of safety helps support our commitment to preventing patient harm and maintaining patient independence wherever possible.

The SGH Auxiliary has also generously donated two pressure injury prevention mattresses. Pressure injuries can develop when patients have reduced mobility, complex medical conditions, poor circulation, frailty, or are receiving end-of-life care. These specialised mattresses help redistribute pressure, improve comfort, and reduce the risk of skin breakdown for some of our most vulnerable patients.

Director of Nursing and Chief Midwife, Kylie Osborne, said the donation reflects the Auxiliary’s ongoing commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of the South Gippsland community.

“The SGH Auxiliary continues to make an extraordinary difference to the care we provide. These donations directly support patient safety, dignity and comfort, and will benefit many patients and families in the years ahead. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity, dedication and ongoing support of our Auxiliary volunteers.”

On behalf of our patients, families and staff, we thank the SGH Auxiliary for their continued commitment to South Gippsland Hospital and the community we serve. Their generosity enables us to enhance patient care and invest in equipment that makes a real difference every day.