PENINSULA Health’s call for the community to participate in its FEB 50 Challenge to raise money for Rosebud Hospital was answered loud and clear when it kicked off last Thursday (1 February).
The FEB 50 Challenge encourages participants to walk, run, ride or choose the activity they prefer to complete 50 kilometres in February. The campaign started last week with a Peninsula Health-coordinated five kilometre walk from Rosebud Hospital to Rosebud pier and back.
Rosebud Hospital is part of Peninsula Health, the major public health service providing healthcare for Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.
The hospital has one acute and one rehabilitation ward and a 24-hour emergency department at the main entrance on Point Nepean Road.
The hospital site encompasses renal dialysis, community, mental and allied health services, as well as dental clinics and a rehabilitation service.
It is adjacent to Peninsula Health’s Cancer and Clinical Trials Hub, also on Point Nepean Road, where six chemotherapy chairs are located.
The hospital admits and treats about 2000 people annually. The number of emergency department presentations averages 20,000 a year, around 1700 each month. This figure can jump significantly in summer when many holiday makers visit the area.
To donate to the cause, go to feb50challenge.raisely.com
There is also a community-driven fundraiser for the hospital redevelopment.
Organisers of the Rosebud Hospital rally held on Wednesday 24 January are hoping the large turnout of community members will convince politicians, business entities and philanthropic donors to support the redevelopment of the hospital.
One of the organisers, Jo Gilbert, said the turnout had been a massive show of support for the hospital and backed the argument for the need to keep it in the local community.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 6 February 2024
