The Tamworth branch members of the United Hospital Auxiliaries (UHA) work tirelessly behind the scenes raising money for hospital equipment that is used directly in patient care including chairs, cushions, commode chairs, pressure mattresses and an ECG machine.

The hospital previously rented the Eurocare and Nimbus mattresses, so having their own on hand is a saving to the health service and patients can use them when they’re needed.

They raise money through raffles, market days, soup and damper lunches, fashion parades, lamington drives and the canteen at the hospital.

The members, with an average age of more than 70, dedicated 12,800 volunteer hours to the 

hospital in the past financial year and they’re ready to do it again with a new executive voted in on Monday .

New president Maureen Sampson, who’s taken over from outgoing president, and now first vice-president, Elaine Plant, said she planned to continue on Mrs Plant’s good work.

Other office bearers are second vie-president Marie White, secretary Annette Lowe, assistant secretaries Beth Larkham (also publicity officer) and Pam Yates and treasurer Heather Ford.

As well as voting in a new executive, the branch members are honoured to have three UHA life members and their Tamworth life member who have given a total of 170 years to theauxiliary.

The three UHA life members are Mary Carter, with 43 years service, Jean Pannan who’s given 51 years service and 25 years to the Tamworth branch after transferring from the Griffith branch, and Letty Elks, who’s been with the branch for 33 years.

Also present was Tamworth branch life member Barbara Moore who’s served for 43 years.

Their next fundraiser is a market day at the hospital on Wednesday followed by a fashion parade at Oxley Bowling Club on September 6 from 11.30am featuring fashions from Black Pepper and an entry fee of $20.

“We’d welcome any new members,” Mrs Sampson said.

If you could help out this dedicated group, contact Mrs Sampson on 6765 9969 or secretary Annette Lowe on 6765 9604.