September is National Bequest Month, so we spoke to Trish Lee – Manager Bequests at Wellington Hospitals Foundation- to ask her why people choose to leave a bequest to Wellington’s Regional Hospitals.
Trish told us that people leave a gift in their will (bequest) for many different reasons, but it’s often because they want to give back. For example, “If you have received wonderful care from Wellington’s Regional Hospitals, then you might consider leaving a bequest to Wellington Hospitals Foundation in your will.” This way, you’ll be ensuring that your family members and friends receive the same great care that you did. Bequests to Wellington Hospitals Foundation can be made out to a specific area within our Hospitals, or where there is the greatest need. Trish shared that most people who leave bequests to Wellington Hospitals Foundation, do so because they want to leave something that will help their grandchildren and whole family. Bequests left to Wellington Hospitals Foundation ensure that future patients can enjoy the same (if not better) service from their hospital and staff, at the time when they need it most.
Trish then went on to share the story of a recent gentlemen named Maurice. Maurice left a bequest to Wellington Hospitals Foundation which enabled the purchase of a Sonosite SII Portable Ultrasound Machine for Wellington Hospital’s Blood and Cancer Centre. Maurice was a patient at the centre himself, and he hated needles. “Veins can be hard to find, especially in oncology, young children and elderly patients”, Trish said. The Portable Ultrasound Machine was Maurice’s solution to his own and many other patients’ problems. The machine helps staff to put in an IV (intravenous) line, making IV access quicker and less painful for patients like Maurice. Patients with cancer often have difficult veins and without the use of ultrasound it can take many attempts to administer an IV line. Maurice very generously left a gift in his will to purchase this piece of equipment.
Although Maurice passed away a few years ago, his legacy lives on at Wellington Hospital. Through Maurice’s bequest he has helped, and continues to help, numerous adults and children in stressful situations.
Maurice, with Trish Lee (Bequest Manager) visiting the Wellington Hospital ED department to view the Portable Ultrasound Machine he would later fund for the Oncology Unit.
If you would like to leave a gift in your will to help patients and your hospital, or if you would like more information, please contact:
Trish Lee, Bequest Manager at Wellington Hospitals Foundation.
Email: trish.lee@ccdhb.org.nz
Phone: 04 806 2324 or 0272408711.
Visit: www.whf.org.nz/bequest
Watch this video interview with Trish!