Health Service welcomes support of construction workers
30 November 2006
Members of three unions building the Mineral Separation Plant for the past two years, have donated $7800 to purchase equipment for the operating theatre at Hamilton Base Hospital.
The Australian Workers Union, Australian Metal Workers Union and the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union established a Hardship Fund for their co-workers while constructing the plant, and decided the donate the residual to the Health Service, as the project nears completion.
The funds will be used to purchase a Levitan Scope used in anaesthetics, and a Retractor Holder for use during operations.
Doug Brown and Ron Mills representing the workers, presented the cheque to Western District Health Service Chief Executive Officer Jim Fletcher, and Theatre Manager Mark Stevenson this week.
Mr Mills said that the hardship fund had assisted a number of workers over the two year period, and they were keen to see the residual funds remain in the Hamilton community.
Mr Brown said once the three unions became aware of some additional equipment needs at the Hamilton Base Hospital operating theatre, they agreed to direct the funds for that purpose, knowing that the new equipment would serve the community for many years to come.
WDHS CEO Jim Fletcher said that he and all the theatre staff were extremely appreciative of the workers’ support, as the equipment to be purchased would further enhance the care provided for a number of surgical procedures to our patients.
“This support is greatly welcomed,” he said.
CAPTION: WDHS CEO Jim Fletcher and WDHS Theatre manager Mark Stevenson, were pleased to show MSP construction workers Doug Brown and Ron Mills, some of the theatre equipment which will be purchased with funds donated by three of the unions working at the plant.