Dedicated community members power lifesaving business for St Vincent’s Hospital
St Vincent’s Hospital has received a powerful boost to its emergency care, thanks to a $280,000 donation of equipment from its long-standing volunteer supporter group, Friends of St Vincent’s.
With apt timing, Damian Chapelle, St Vincent’s Board Chairman accepted the donation this week in National Heart Week 2025.
Mr Chapelle acknowledged, “Securing more than $280,000 worth of defibrillator equipment is no small feat. This means that our hospital now has 10 “LIFEPAK 35” – clinical use defibrillators with Advanced Life Support (ALS) capability, as well as several of the smaller ‘LIFEPACK CR2’ portable AED devices for use around the campus.”
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Defibrillators are used to restart a person’s heart during a sudden cardiac arrest by delivering a controlled electric shock, with every second counting in these critical moments.
“This generous donation goes hand in hand with our commitment to providing world-class emergency care,” Mr Chapelle said.
“It will benefit the hospital and the entire community for years to come. It’s a great example of how community support directly improves outcomes for patients and saves lives.”
The Friends of St Vincent’s is a dedicated group of 10 to 15 volunteers who operate hospital – adjacent businesses, such as the coffee lounge, tea rooms, and child day care centre. Since 1988, their efforts have raised over $2.5 million to fund essential hospital equipment.
Friends President Ann Spillane said the group takes great pride in knowing the defibrillators will have a broad impact.
“What gives us satisfaction is that these defibrillators will not only benefit those within the hospital walls, but also the people surrounding them. Our job is to provide the best care possible,” said Ann Spillane, President of the Friends of St Vincent’s Hospital.
“We simply can’t afford to lose anyone,” she said.
Mr Chapelle expressed deep appreciation to the Friends for their vision and dedication.
“Their commitment ensures we are equipped to respond when it matters most,” he said.
“This donation will make a real difference, not just today, but well into the future.”
The Friends of St Vincent’s are always welcoming new volunteers, including from the Ballina Shire. To learn how you can contribute, visit their volunteer page here.
All images supplied by St Vincent’s Hospital.
Cover image: L-R: Neville, Mary, Helen, Meg, Pam, Leslie (Friends Volunteers); then Kylie Greensill (St Vincent’s Hospital Director of Clinical Services), Ann Spillane (President of the Friends), Damian Chapelle (St Vincent’s Board Chairman).
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