Six of Bendigo Health’s smallest patients in the Special Care Baby Unit will get into the Christmas spirit, dressing up in Christmas outfits to celebrate the festive season. 
This week marks the final week of Bendigo Hospital’s Christmas Appeal which is this year aiming to raise $200,000 for Bendigo Health’s Special Care Baby Unit to provide new equipment and improved facilities.
The Special Care Baby Unit often cares for up to 12 critically sick babies at one time. Bendigo Health is the only hospital outside the metropolitan area with a level two special care baby unit that provides a high level of specialist care to seriously ill babies.
Funds raised through the appeal will go towards purchasing three bilisoft phototherapy units to help jaundiced babies, six cosytherm warming mattresses to keep babies at the required temperature, three humidifiers that help new babies to breathe and six isolets, formerly known as humidicribs.
Bendigo Health Foundation director Gloria Turner thanked those in community who have donated or supported the Christmas appeal already but said there is still a long way to go to reach the $200,000 target.
"The Bendigo community are incredibly generous and are always fantastic supporters of the Bendigo Hospital Christmas Appeal," said Ms Turner.
"It’s been a bit of a challenge this year with the cancellation of some of the appeal’s major events due to bad weather, however we’re very thankful to those who have supported us and will continue to do so in the lead up to Christmas.
"Our fundraising total is at $35,000 so if you haven’t donated yet, please dig deep and support this worthy cause," added Ms Turner.
Babies in the Special Care Baby Unit are dressed up each year in Christmas outfits as part of the annual Bendigo Health Christmas decoration competition.
If you would like to make a donation please visit www.bhfoundation.org.au or send a cheque or money order to Bendigo Health Foundation, PO Box 126, Bendigo 3552.
The Bendigo Health Foundation
