AN INCREASE in demand and lack of funding has fuelled passionate community members to host the first fundraiser for the Mount Gambier hospital in over a decade.
With the Mount Gambier and Districts Health Service Renal Dialysis Unit in desperate need of an upgrade, hospital staff and volunteers have combined efforts to host the Bollywood Ball in October.
Organiser Maureen Klintberg said the event was the first major fundraiser for the health service in 14 years.
“No one has fundraised for the hospital since 2003 and our renal dialysis unit needs some attention,” she said.
“If we all work together to improve hospital services, we can meet the need of more patients and take the strain off those having to travel for treatment.”
There are currently 14 people living in the area who require dialysis treatment three times a week for four to five hours.
With only four chairs in the unit available at a time, the unit struggles to service the increasing number of clients.
Renal dialysis unit manager Nebu Mathew said there was not enough space for the services provided.
“We are in need of a larger space to cater for patients, storage and staff,” he said.
“We need to avoid occupational health and safety risks and create a safer environment for all working or visiting the unit.”
Ms Klintberg said success stories from surrounding districts inspired the upcoming event in Mount Gambier.
“The Naracoorte community recently raised thousands of dollars for their health services and we thought it was time we did the same,” she said.
“The issue is we don’t have enough communication coming out of the hospital to highlight what is needed on the inside and what the community can do to help.
“We believe success is achieved when the community is empowered to work together to achieve a common goal.
“This major fundraising campaign will empower hospital staff to help those members of the community who require life-saving treatment.”
The Bollywood Ball will coincide with The Barn Palais 80th anniversary and the hospital’s 20th year at its current site.
The event will be held at The Barn Palais on October 14.
With food, music, entertainment and special guests, the ball will provide the public with an exciting night out while raising money for the dialysis unit.
To make any auction or raffle donations or for more information contact Ms Klintberg on 0438 010 780.
Tickets will be available for purchase later this week from the Commodore on the Park, Birdie Blue and the hospital.
