Celebrating the Impact of Peter's Project: A Year of Generosity and Innovation

9 Apr 2024

In the last twelve months, Peter’s Project Foundation has continued its invaluable support to St. John of God Warrnambool Hospital, enhancing our oncology and palliative care services significantly. This foundation, rooted in a heartfelt story of community resilience and dedication, has made substantial contributions amounting to $138,000 in the last financial year alone, deeply impacting our hospital's capabilities and patient care quality.

The Genesis of Peter’s Project

Founded by Vicki Jellie, a local Warrnambool resident, after the passing of her husband Peter Jellie to oesophagael cancer in 2008, Peter’s Project was born out of a personal tragedy and a community's determination.  Vicki’s relentless efforts to bring radiation therapy closer to home for residents of south-west Victoria and south-east South Australia have been the driving force behind the foundation. Peter’s diagnosis and subsequent 320km travel to Melbourne for daily 15-minute radiotherapy sessions highlighted the dire need for local oncology services. This foundation stands as a testament to Peter’s journey and the collective will of a community.

The Impact of Donations in the Last Year

This year, the donations from Peter’s Project have been both diverse and significant, directly benefiting various departments within our hospital.

1. ARC – Tissue/Vessel Sealing Unit for Endoscopy ($20,494.00): This state-of-the-art equipment has revolutionised our endoscopy procedures, allowing for more precise and safer surgeries. It demonstrates our commitment to adopting advanced technologies for better patient outcomes.
2. NIM – Nerve Monitoring Device for ENT Surgery ($70,000.00): A game-changer for our Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgeries, this device has significantly reduced the risk of nerve damage, ensuring higher safety and better recovery for our patients.
3. Patient Bed with Pressure Relieving Mattress for Palliative Care ($29,844.68): In our palliative care unit, comfort is paramount. This specially designed bed and mattress ensure that our patients receive the best care in their final days, providing relief and dignity.
4. Palliative Care – Support Person Pull Out Beds ($10,170.00): Recognising the importance of family presence during palliative care, these beds have allowed loved ones to stay close, offering comfort and support to both patients and families during challenging times.

Looking Forward

As we reflect on the past year, we extend our deepest gratitude to Peter’s Project and the community that supports it. These contributions over the last year have been pivotal in enhancing our hospital’s oncology and palliative care services. Their dedication to improving healthcare access in our region remains an inspiration to us all, as we strive to provide exceptional care to every patient who walks through our doors.