Bupa's gift to liver transplant patients at The Children's Hospital at Westmead
Friday, 30 October 2009
Leading private health insurer Bupa today announced it would donate more than $60,000 to The Children's Hospital at Westmead to purchase specialised equipment essential to life-saving liver transplant surgery.
The equipment includes a $50,000 head-mounted microscope which will facilitate liver transplant surgery in young children, as well as a specialised set of instruments designed to assist with the surgical connection of tiny vessels.
Bupa Australia Marketing, Product and Corporate Affairs Director Mark Engel said the donation had been granted as part of Bupa Giving, which offers financial support for worthy causes worldwide. Since the program's inception three years ago, more than $15m has been donated to more than 50 projects in 10 countries, including hospitals, charities and research centres.
"As well caring for the health and wellbeing of our customers, we feel it's our role as a responsible corporate citizen to support initiatives that enhance the health and wellbeing of people living in the communities in which we operate," Engel said.
"We already know that the children at The Children's Hospital at Westmead's Liver Transplant Unit are in excellent hands and we are pleased to be able to provide valuable equipment that will contribute to improving the level of care and outcomes for children in need of a liver transplant," he said.
The donation was made through the Tracks for Transplant initiative, which was established by The Children's Hospital at Westmead's Theatre Nurse Fiona Strachan, with the aim of raising funds for the hospital's Liver Transplant Unit, which cares for critically ill children requiring liver transplants in the Asia Pacific region, as well as those in Sydney.
Strachan's initiative also included a fund-raising bike ride from along the 517 kilometre Birdsville Track. "Initially I took on the Tracks for Transplant ride as I needed a new challenge in life," Strachan said. "However, I have also been able to raise funds that will allow my colleagues such as Dr Albert Shun to continue their great work."
Without the support from Bupa I would have been unable to reach my target of $100,000 in support for the Liver Transplant Unit. In donating this money, not only will Dr Shun be able to carry out life-saving surgeries using state-of-the-art equipment, he will also be better equipped in educating those who come after him on the best techniques when dealing with paediatric transplants."
The Children's Hospital at Westmead's Liver Transplant Surgeon Dr Albert Shun said Bupa's donation would allow surgeons and theatre staff to continue to offer the highest level of care to young patients requiring life-saving liver transplants.
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*In Australia, Bupa operates under the trusted and respected brands MBF, HBA, Mutual Community and ClearView.
About Bupa Australia
Bupa Australia is a leading healthcare provider. With a significant presence in every Australian State and Territory, the company operates under the trusted and respected brands, MBF, HBA, Mutual Community and Clearview, proudly covering over three million Australians.
Bupa Australia is driven by the vision of "Taking care of the lives in our hands" and has the goal of helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives. The company is focused on providing sustainable health insurance and financial services solutions that represent real value to customers, and on leading the industry in the promotion of preventive health and wellness - helping customers to better manage their long-term health.
Bupa Australia's products and services include cover for hospital, medical, ancillary and ambulance services, as well as travel, life, car and home insurance, and retirement planning and lifestyle management services.
As part of the international Bupa Group, Bupa Australia draws on the strength and expertise of a recognised international leader in the healthcare industry. The Bupa Group covers over ten million people in over 200 countries, and provides other health and financial services to many more millions of customers around the globe.
For media enquiries
Julie Law
Public Relations Officer
The Children's Hospital of Westmead
Phone: (02) 9845 3580
Email: Juliel1@chw.edu.au