Southern Downs families can now be closer to their loved ones in palliative care, thanks to a generous donation in honour of Warwick Flight Lieutenant Belinda McGowan.
Belinda’s family, friends, Royal Australian Air Force colleagues, and special guests attended an emotional ceremony in Warwick last Thursday to officially hand over the cuddle bed.
A cuddle bed is an oversized bed that allows enough room for family members to lay together in hospital.
The simple yet impactful piece of equipment is now in the wards of Warwick Hospital with the help of Belinda, a serving RAAF Officer who passed away there in 2021.
Warwick RSL Sub-Branch president John Skinner said she passed away due to an incident in East Timor and made a special request to put a cuddle bed at the hospital.
“Her partner Bruce McGowan worked through us with RAAF to make an effort to put a number of these beds into various regional hospitals in her name,” John said.
“For this bed, we (Sub-Branch) didn’t put any money towards it – the man donating the bed said he would make it free, which allows us to put our money towards getting the next one.
“That stunned everyone because it was unknown and unplanned.”
Furthermore, John said the RSL Sub-Branch was hoping to fundraise and apply for grants to get more cuddle beds in Warwick, which was the long-term goal.
“It’s going to be an ongoing program and I think over a period of time, we can get three beds in Warwick,” he said.
Darling Downs Health board chair Mike Horan acknowledged the legacy that Belinda has left.
“I’d like to thank Bruce McGowan for helping to realise Belinda’s final wish of donating this important piece of equipment to the Warwick Hospital,” Mr Horan said.
“Our staff work to make people as comfortable and supported as possible, and give families the time they need with their loved ones.
“This cuddle bed gives us the opportunity to make these final moments as memorable and comfortable as possible.”
Palliative care teams often say that patients can hear right up until they pass, so being able to talk to a family member in their final moments is an important part of care.
Furthermore, Bruce said his wife would have been exceptionally proud.
“It’s a very special day because it’s allowing me, on behalf of my beautiful wife Belinda to give back to the community,” he said.
“And to be able to put one of these beautiful cuddle beds into our hospital to help future patients is just so important.
“She never liked the fuss, but I’m sure she’d be really proud today.
“Belinda was always about giving back and being kind.”
RAAF Group Captain Iain Carty said it was an honour to attend the ceremony, having known Belinda for many years.
“I’d like to commend the effort, commitment and dedication of Bruce and the team that put this all together,” Group Captain Carty said.
