A partnership between Daisy’s Days and St Andrew’s Ipswich Private Hospital is set to bring comfort to young patients while helping families from some of Australia’s most remote communities access vital medical care.
Through the purchase of 500 Daisy’s Days books, St Andrew’s will place the Australian outback-inspired stories into the hands of children receiving treatment, providing a welcome distraction during hospital stays.
For Ipswich mother and Daisy’s Days founder Katie Waardenburg, the milestone represents far more than a book donation.
It is the latest chapter in a journey that began with her own family’s medical experience and grew through 28,000km of travel across regional and remote Australia, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges families face when distance becomes a barrier to healthcare.
“When a child is sick, families should be focused on their child’s health, not how they’re going to afford the next tank of fuel or another night’s accommodation,” she said. “Every book purchased helps us work towards supporting families who are doing everything they can to get their child the care they need.”
The Travel Assistance Program is designed to help families from regional and remote communities, with assistance including fuel vouchers, accommodation support and help covering other travel-related expenses associated with specialist appointments, scans, treatments and hospital stays.
The partnership with St Andrew’s Ipswich Private Hospital marks a significant milestone for the initiative and demonstrates what can be achieved when healthcare providers and community organisations work together.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Daisy’s Day,” said Chief Executive Officer of St Andrew’s Private Hospital, Kathryn McKeefry.
“Being able to access health, in a timely manner, when you are in a rural or regional area adds more complexity to a stressful situation.
“Being a small part of alleviating some of those challenges is our absolute privilege.”
