Support Echuca Regional Health’s winter clothing drive

The program ensures these patients have access to basic essentials, like underwear, socks, and track pants, providing them with warmth, dignity, and comfort at a time of vulnerability.

Acting manager wellbeing primary mental health Sue Eade explained that donated items were used more often than people might expect.

“When we think about patients who need clothing in hospital, it's easy to assume the issue only affects people experiencing homelessness or financial hardship, but the truth is it could happen to anyone,” she said.

“Only recently, a woman came to ERH and gave birth without being able to collect her bags, prior to having to call an ambulance.

‘’The ability as a health service to provide her with a new pair of pyjamas to wear, post giving birth, gave her the comfort and dignity to embrace those first moments of motherhood as we expect all new parents should be given the opportunity to do.

‘’It’s not just about clothing — it's about reminding someone they are seen, respected and cared for as a person, not just a patient.”

The drive has previously run in the lead up to Christmas, with hundreds of items of summer clothing and toiletries donated last year alone, according to ERH public relations officer Sarah Crossman.

“It’s an area of health that we don’t receive funding for, hence why we’re asking the community to support us in the drive,” she said.

“[Donors] should know that their kindness is appreciated by ERH and the patients that receive the clothing.”

Ms Eade hoped the community would continue to support hospital clothing programs.

“[The programs] are there for people from every walk of life because medical emergencies don't discriminate,” she said.

“None of us expects to need them, but any one of us could.“

Those wishing to donate can drop off clothes that are either new or in excellent condition at WorkLocker Echuca, Adore Pilates Moama, and the main reception area of Echuca Regional Health.