We are excited to announce our newest partnership with the incredibly generous Rapid Relief Team (RRT). through local fundraising, the Rapid Relief Team are donating $1.5 million to Taranaki Health Foundation for enhancements to the ICU at Taranaki Base Hospital.
The donation is a significant contribution towards the fit out of the Intensive Care Unit in the new East Wing Building currently under construction, which will be officially named the ‘Rapid Relief Team ICU.’ The donation will help provide enhancements to the ICU beyond the standard level of care.
RRT New Zealand Director Cameron Prestidge said “This is about helping deliver a cutting-edge hospital that meets the needs of the growing Taranaki region. The support from locals has been incredible, and we are glad we can make a combined, significant contribution to this new ICU, through the Taranaki Health Foundation.
Local businesses coming together
The money was raised by local businesses and individuals who are all committed volunteers for Rapid Relief Team and believe in delivering hope and relief to people across the globe.
Taranaki Health Foundation’s General Manager, Adrian Sole thanked RRT and local businesses for their support. “This donation is going to go a long way to making sure we have a hospital that is equipped to meet the community’s current and future care needs,” Adrian said.
“We are very grateful to the Rapid Relief Team and local individuals and businesses who’ve made this substantial donation to improve the future health of our region.”
A hospital we can be proud of
Health New Zealand / Te Whatu Ora Group Director of Operations in Taranaki, Gillian Campbell, said the upgrade helps us add to our new build giving our staff and communities an outstanding ICU facility for a community the size of Taranaki.
“The Rapid Relief Team ICU will have separate rooms for each patient, providing the care that everyone in our community deserves,” Gillian said.
“In addition to the ICU, when complete the six-storey New east Wing Building will house a new emergency department, maternity, primary birthing, neonatal unit, radiology, laboratory, and a roof-top helipad. It’s also being built to an Importance Level 4 building meaning it will withstand natural disasters like a volcano eruption or major earthquake.”
On top of donating $1.5 million for the Rapid Relief Team ICU, RRT volunteers have also recognised International Nurses Day with lunch provided to Staff at both Taranaki Base Hospital and Hāwera hospital. “Nurses are the backbone of our health service, and this lunch is a small way we can show our appreciation for their selfless efforts,” said RRT New Plymouth Local Team Leader Ashley Lawry.
The Rapid Relief Team has more than 14,500 volunteers around the world who provide support to the community through charitable donations and events, as well as assisting emergency services in times of disaster and crisis by providing meals and other support. They have recently supported emergency services in the Port Hill fires, as well as providing supplies to communities affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.
If you are inspired by the generosity of the Rapid Relief Team and would like to help Taranaki Health Foundation provide healthcare enhancements for the region, we would love to hear from you! You can either donate directly through our secure online payment form, or if you would like to know more, contact us using the form below.