Retired Nurse gives back to
Children’s Ward
Ōhope woman Shirley Joss spent 17 years
nursing sick children at Whakatāne Hospital.
So when she won a bundle of vouchers in the
recent Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal, the
Children’s Ward was at the forefront of her
mind for recipients.
Shirley who retired from nursing more than 20 years ago, works
as a volunteer at the Presbyterian Op Shop and that’s where she
bought her winning ticket.
“I only bought one ticket. I buy a raffle ticket for the Kids Hospital
Appeal every year. When I got a phone call from the Otahuhu
police station saying I’d won second prize, I thought it was a scam.
I didn’t expect to hear from them.”
Several phone calls later, Shirley had it confirmed that she
had won one of the major raffle prizes; an undisclosed sum of
vouchers.
“I don’t have to worry about Christmas presents this year. I’ve
divvied up the vouchers amongst my children, grandchildren,
great-grandchildren and the Children’s Ward."
The Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal has raised more than $10.4
million since it first began ten years ago. Funds raised go towards
much-needed medical equipment for children's hospital wards
across New Zealand including in Whakatāne and Tauranga.
Shirley presented the vouchers to staff in the Children’s Ward at
Whakatāne Hospital recently.
Paediatric Ward Clinical Nurse Manager Sharon Powley says, “It’s
a really kind gesture and we’re grateful that Shirley thought of us.
“Being sick in hospital is never nice for children, especially at
Christmas or in the holiday season. The vouchers will really boost
our fund for things that make their stay a little more comfortable.”
Shirley Joss (centre) presents staff at Whakatāne Hospital’s Children’s
Ward with vouchers she won in the Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal.
From left to right: Cleaner Kate Black, Enrolled Nurse Carol Murphy,
Shirley Joss, Nurse Manager Sharon Powley, Nurse Leader Maurice
Chamberlain, and Dr Jane Eardley.
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