Barbara Beach bequest benefits local community

A GENEROUS bequest from local lady Barbara Beach allowing the Mansfield District Hospital (MDH) to replace its aging x-ray machine with a state-of-the-art model, has been recognised with the unveiling of a plaque in memoriam. Acknowledging Barbara’s philanthropic gesture, Barbara’s cousin Geoff Doyle and his wife Val, along with MDH Acting Chief Executive Officer Michelle Spence, radiographer Anne Ford and Director of Capital Programs Melanie Green discussed the benefits of the new machine and the difference it would make to the local community. As executor of her will, Geoff believes Barbara would be incredibly pleased with the purchase. Barbara’s legacy is a life of service and contribution to the health sector, with the bequest a further opportunity to continue giving back after her passing. In 1981 she received an Honorary Life Governor award from the Royal Children’s Hospital for her years of support. She would be similarly recognised with a five-year service acknowledgement from the Moorabbin Hospital and a 25-year service award from the Maroondah Hospital. Her connection to the Mansfield District Hospital was built over more than a decade living in the shire. “In her later years, Barbara suffered several severe medical issues and was grateful for the special care she received from the local hospital,” said Geoff. “It was her desire to donate this significant bequest to the hospital for a worthwhile project in her name. “Her intention was that the money would enable the hospital to buy something purposeful - this was very important to her – something that would benefit the entire community for a significant amount of time.” The new x-ray machine certainly meets those requirements. Michelle Spence said the x-ray machine was an invaluable piece of equipment at the local facility. With the old x-ray system set to be decommissioned by the Department of Health later in the year and all funding submissions to replace the system denied at state government level, it looked as if the hospital would be without a unit and unable to provide this service. “Without Barbara’s generous donation of over $400,000, local people would have had to travel elsewhere for x-rays,” Michelle said. “The service would have been significantly decreased overall if we couldn’t provide x-rays. “It’s absolutely essential from urgent care to neonatal all the way through to aged care; providing that service for our sporting community, our tradespeople and tourists up on the mountain, out on the lake and enjoying the great outdoors who present with an injury.” The latest technology from Philips, the x-ray offers improved image quality and digital immediacy, whilst being safer to use as radiation doses are reduced. Delivering efficiencies through increased functionality and better range of motion, the new machine contributes to improved workflow and enhances diagnostic imaging capabilities. “As the machine is digital the image comes up straight away on the screen, which can then be forwarded directly to the doctor or specialist,” Michelle said. Michelle added that most of the hospital’s doctors and a large percentage of the nurse practitioners were accredited to do x-rays, with the machine able to be easily used whenever necessary by urgent care. On behalf of the hospital, Michelle thanked Geoff and wife Val for facilitating the bequest and deciding on such a worthwhile investment, with the donation also contributing to new flooring in the x-ray suite. “Once again, the generous support of local people has enabled us to continue to meet the needs of our community,” she said. “Barbara’s gift to the hospital is something we will use each and every day, and I’m sure she would have loved to have known this.”

Barbara Beach bequest benefits local community

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