Neo Nate Mates

Formerly "A Celebration of Life" Auxiliary

Founded: 2005
Convener: Dawn Aranyi

The Neonate Mates Story

Established in 2005, and originally known as A Celebration of Life (COL) Auxiliary, “Neonate Mates” has continued to raise vital funds specifically for the Neonatal Unit (NNU) at The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne (RCH).

The Neonatal Unit provides highly specialized care to the sickest newborn infants from around Australia and the Pacific Rim. Whilst babies are not born at the RCH, they are usually transported immediately following birth via the NETS Team from leading maternity hospitals to the NNU, which exists to treat only the toughest of cases.

The life saving and life changing work of the NNU inspires all members of the Neonate Mates Auxiliary who are committed to raising awareness and funds for this amazing Unit within the RCH. The NNU’s mission “Giving our sickest babies the best chance – first chance at life” also serves as a motivating anthem for the members of the Neonate Mate’s Auxiliary.

Annual Report

The Neonate Mates Auxiliary was excited and proud to have made a contribution to the re-development of the new NNU, which officially opened mid 2007, with funds raised in 2006. We look forward to raising further funds for the ongoing needs of the NNU. These needs include equipment, resources and research aspects.

In 2007, we were thrilled to know that funds we raised throughout the year were used to purchase a state of the art communications system “Vocera” for the NNU. This system allows medical staff to speak to each other hands-free from any part of the Unit e.g. if a medical care giver needs help in an ICU room, he/she can activate their “Vocera” device (worn on a necklet or pinned onto a lapel) and another staff member can be by their side to assist in seconds.

This type of communications system enhances productivity, teamwork, and service levels by enabling fluid, instant voice communication among NNU team members and throughout our centre of mobile professionals. This is the very latest in medical communications technology and we hope to raise additional funds to purchase further “Vocera” devices so that parents of patients can utilize them also.

Our heartfelt thanks to all those that have supported the fundraising endeavours of the Neonate Mates Auxiliary in 2007 – 2008, particularly it’s members, whom comprise Volunteers, NNU & RCH Staff, NNU Parents and other donors and generous benefactors. Special thanks to Judy Aussems, Anita Ivanovic , Jane Stumpf, Francis Dickens “Soul Essential” – Trentham, Rebecca Grieve, Helen and Tony Barr, Sue Manson and Staff of the RCH Auxiliaries Office.

Will you become a “Neonate Mate” in 2008?

New members always welcome – funds are raised primarily from stalls held at the RCH so if you have a few spare hours up your sleeve to either participate on a stall or donate suitable items we can sell to help raise funds for the NNU, please contact us any time by calling Dawn on (03) 9743 6995. Thank you in anticipation of your support.

Last Updated 19-Sep-2008. Authorised by: Sue Manson. Enquiries: Sue Manson.