A $40,000 community donation from the Metung Bloodhounds has helped make the Bairnsdale Regional Health Service Emergency Department waiting area more comfortable, accessible and welcoming for patients and families.
Raised predominantly through sales of the Metung Bloodhounds’ ‘2026 Bare to Care’ calendar, the donation supported the replacement of existing seating in the BRHS Emergency Department waiting room, with new seating installed in May.
The upgrade was shaped by consumer feedback and designed to better meet the needs of people using the Emergency Department, including people who may be unwell, anxious, waiting for care or supporting a loved one.
The new seating includes wider chairs with a slight recline and supportive armrests, giving patients and families a more comfortable place to sit during what can often be a stressful or lengthy wait. The chairs have also been selected with accessibility, durability and infection control in mind, with easy-to-clean finishes, floor-fixed options and access to charging points.
Consumers had highlighted the need for a more comfortable and supportive waiting environment, including more restful seating, access to charging points, quieter information options, greater privacy and a more welcoming space.
BRHS Chief Executive Officer Peter Abraham said the donation was a practical and meaningful contribution that would directly benefit the East Gippsland community.
“Emergency Departments are busy, high-pressure environments, and the waiting room experience can be stressful for patients and loved ones,” he said.
“This donation will help us provide more comfortable, modern and practical seating for people who may be waiting for care, supporting someone receiving treatment, or spending extended time in the department.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Metung Bloodhounds for their generosity and for choosing to support our Emergency Department in such a thoughtful and community-minded way.”
BRHS Emergency Department Nurse Unit Manager Gemma Granger said even small improvements to the care environment could make a significant difference for patients, families and staff.
“When people come to the Emergency Department, they are often worried, unwell or supporting someone they care about,” she said.
“More comfortable and accessible seating helps create a better environment for patients and families while they wait.
“It also supports our staff to provide care in a space that is more practical, welcoming and responsive to community needs.”
The Metung Bloodhounds have a strong record of supporting local causes through community fundraising, with this latest contribution helping BRHS continue its commitment to delivering the Best Care Experience for every person, every time.
Metung Bloodhounds representative, Kaye Hodges, said the group was proud to support the Emergency Department and contribute to healthcare for the wider East Gippsland community.
“The Bare to Care calendar was an ambitious project, funny, brave; slightly outrageous at times, but always coming from a place of community and care,” Kaye said.
“The fact that we were able to make $40,000 from calendar sales demonstrates the community’s commitment to supporting vital improvements to our Emergency Care facilities.
“By providing the funds to improve the new waiting room, we feel that we’ve helped to bring a little comfort to people during a time of need both now and well into the future.”