The Mercy Hospital Foundation Annual Raffle Raises over €270,000 for Hospital Equipment and Services

12 March 2012

The Mercy Hospital Foundation is delighted to announce that over €270,000 was raised in their annual raffle.  Launched in November 2011, the annual raffle, now in its 4th year is one of the biggest fundraisers in the Mercy Foundation's calendar, and this year saw over 50,000 people from all over Cork and beyond lend their support by purchasing tickets for this worthy cause.

Funds raised through the 2011 raffle will go towards a new BiPAP Focus NIV System at the Mercy University Hospital, equipment that will be used to deliver non-invasive ventilation to patients with acute respiratory failure. Funds raised will also help to enhance and develop services in other areas of the hospital.

Ann O'Mahony, Mercy Respiratory Nurse Specialist at the Mercy describes the difference the new BiPAP Focus System will make to her day to day work: "As a respiratory nurse specialist, I see many patients admitted to hospital in respiratory failure, who would previously have needed a ventilator in intensive care. This is a traumatic experience both for the patient and their family. The availability of non-invasive ventilation allows us to treat these patients in the A&E unit or on the wards, without delay. The new BiPAP Focus System will greatly improve patients' quality of life, help earlier recovery and allow them to resume normal life at home sooner."

Another Mercy Respiratory Nurse Specialist, Bernie O'Connor added "Just one machine wasn't meeting demand, and the new machine will massively improve the quality of our service. We would like to thank all the ticket sellers and buyers for supporting the raffle to help us purchase this vital piece of equipment."

The raffle draw took place on Monday 5th March 2012 and the lucky winner of the grand prize of €5,000 was 86 year old, Denis Howard from Mallow. Delighted with the news of his win, Denis said "I have been a long term supporter of the Mercy, and over the years I have attended the hospital for day procedures. I hold the staff and nurses in such high regard, with the care I have received second to none, and so I am delighted I can give something back by supporting The Mercy Foundation."  The annual raffle is just one of many fundraising drives and initiatives undertaken by the Mercy Foundation. At the announcement of funds raised, Julie Harris, Donor Development and Communications Manager at the Mercy Foundation said "Our mission is to support the hospital in delivering the highest quality of patient care by generating awareness and tirelessly raising funds to support advancements and innovation in the treatment and care of patients at the Mercy Hospital, the People's Hospital. We promise to do our very best to provide you with a world class hospital, right on your doorstep, and this is only possible through the help of our supporters and donors."

Further information on the work of the Mercy Foundation and upcoming events is available now at www.mercyhospitalfoundation.ie.