2020 was certainly the most challenging year for Great Ocean Road Health to date.  The newly amalgamated health service (Lorne Community Hospital and Otway Health) was not only adjusting to internal changes but responding to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Our staff were required to ‘hit the ground running’ and this would not have been possible without the heartfelt generosity of our supporters.

With your support, the Lorne Community Hospital Annual Appeal raised over $90,000. This amount was spent at the Hospital, to provide essential training/education to upskill staff, upgrade facilities, technology and equipment, increase our workforce and allow us to further develop innovative ways of interacting with the community.

Your generosity enabled us to direct funds into the areas in Lorne that required the most resources, whilst staff continued to provide urgent, residential and community care to our catchment area.

GORH CEO, Sandy Chamberlin said, “I am very impressed with the leadership, adaptability and determination shown by our executive team, frontline and support staff to keep our community safe. Our staff have achieved extraordinary things throughout 2020, and this year is also proving to be challenging with the vaccination roll-out.”

The Lorne Community Hospital has raised funds via the annual appeal for the last 15 years, which supplements government funding for vital capital improvements to benefit patient care and ultimately save lives. The Hospital is proud of its history and achievements, your support in the past and into the future will allow us to continue to make a difference.

“I am sure that in the future we will again hit uncertain times but what is certain is the Lorne Community Hospital will continue to strive for excellence, adapt to change and provide our community with an innovative health services.”

“In the middle of a pandemic, to be able to raise funds from our community to give back services to keep you safe and supported has been so important. The staff and board members thank you for your ongoing support,” said Ms Chamberlin.

All donations over $2 to the Lorne Community Hospital are tax-deductible. All donations are acknowledged by letter and a receipt. There may be other suitable ways to acknowledge your generosity, which we will be pleased to discuss with you. To make a donation, visit our website www.greatoceanroadhealth.com.au/support-us/ or contact Katy Kennedy, Fundraising Coordinator on 5289 4383.