Many patients present for urgent medical care without clean clothing or toiletries.
Some arrive with worn or damaged garments, while others have nothing at all.
The program ensures patients receive the essentials they need during treatment and upon discharge, offering dignity and comfort at a time of vulnerability.
In the past year, ERH has provided more than 185 items of clothing and personal essentials to patients who arrive without adequate support or resources.
These items include nightwear, underwear, socks, tracksuits, t-shirts and shorts — necessities that help maintain dignity during a hospital stay.
In 2024-25, ERH cared for 29,882 emergency department visitors, including 4287 ambulance arrivals, and admitted 17,560 patients.
The need is significant — and it is growing.
The program is donation-driven, and community support is vital to replenish supplies for 2026.
Donations of new clothing items can be left under the Christmas tree in the hospital foyer or with community partners Worklocker Echuca, Cosgriff Lawyers and Echuca Workers.
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