The care delivered to the Wide Bay’s sick children is receiving a boost, with the Lott, through Golden Casket, donating vital equipment for sick babies to the Bundaberg Base Hospital Hospital. 

The Lott, through Golden Casket, has donated a $7,000 Giraffe Blue Spot PT Lite Phototherapy System to Bundaberg Base Hospital, equipment that provides intensive phototherapy to babies with jaundice, which if left untreated, can have severe health implications. 

The Bundaberg Base Hospital donation is part of a $100,000 donation the Lott has made to the Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Regional Hospitals Wishlist, funded from unclaimed prize money. 

The Regional Hospitals Wishlist aims to improve the standard of care provided to sick children in Queensland by delivering vital equipment to hospitals throughout the state and therefore reducing the need for families to travel to major cities for ongoing treatment and support. 

Bundaberg Hospital Paediatrician Dr Matt Wakeley said the donation would allow for the proper care of babies suffering from jaundice. 

“We are very thankful for the support of the Children’s Hospital Foundation and their donors who have supported the purchase of a Giraffe Blue Spot Lite Phototherapy system for our Paediatric Ward,” he said. 

“The system allows us to deliver an effective treatment for jaundice in babies, a common medical condition, which if not managed appropriately can result in severe long-term health effects. 

“Previously, we have had to access equipment for treating jaundice through our maternity unit, which can be problematic if newborn babies also require the treatment.” 

The Lott’s $100,000 donation, funded from unclaimed prize money, will supply a range of vital paediatric medical equipment to hospitals in Bundaberg, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Gympie, Mount Isa, Rockhampton and Cairns. 

Golden Casket General Manager Andrew Shepherd said the Lott was committed to supporting initiatives that focused on the health and wellbeing of Queensland families. 

“We have a long history of supporting health initiatives across the country and we are proud to continue that tradition through our donation to the Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Regional Hospitals Wishlist,” he said. 

“Our donation will help children living in regional areas receive quality care in hospitals close to their homes and their families, reducing the need to travel.”

 Children’s Hospital Foundation Chief Executive Officer Rosie Simpson said the Lott and Golden Casket had been a long-time supporter of the Foundation. 

“Golden Casket’s generous donation of $100,000 will allow us to expand our support for regional hospitals across the state to purchase much-needed equipment for some of Queensland’s sickest kids,” Ms Simpson said. 

“Everything we do for sick and injured kids is made possible by the generosity and support of our donors, partners and the community.”