Hospital

The future growth of The Friendlies

It has been a very busy 12 weeks for the new Friendlies CEO, Simone Finch; “Thanks to the extended handover period with Alan Cooper, I have felt supported to hit the ground running in the new role. I have loved getting to know the staff members and patients alike. The Bundaberg community have made me feel very welcome, and I look forward to building on those relations in the local community.”   Part of that is the beginnings of anMore

NDIS changes mid cost AT limit to $15,000 – no quote needed

It’s now easier to purchase mid-cost assistive technology (AT) with your NDIS funds. The NDIS has changed the upper limit for mid-cost AT from $5,000 to $15,000. That means you no longer have to obtain a quote for items up to $15,000. The NDIS will approve those purchases automatically. It’s important to note that you still need to meet all the requirements for using your NDIS funds and obtain written advice from an AT advisor before purchase. What is assistiveMore
new CEO Simone Finch

Appointment of new CEO

The Friendly Society Private Hospital Board Chairman, Les Hancock, has announced the appointment of Simone Finch to replace Alan Cooper in his role as CEO. Alan had submitted his resignation into retirement in July last year which initiated the search for his replacement. Les stated that “after extensive recruitment, he is pleased to welcome Simone into the role. Simone brings a significant level of experience as an executive across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, specialising in strategic development, mediation,More

Another milestone for ED

More than 26,000 patients have sought treatment at The Friendlies Emergency Department since it opened three years ago on 25th September 2018. Celebrating its third milestone, Friendly Society Private Hospital CEO Alan Cooper said patient numbers to the emergency department continue to show the community support for the service. “We have worked hard to deliver specialist emergency care during times when people need it most, all while offering minimal wait times. Currently, our average waiting time is sitting at aboutMore

Maureen Kimber

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Maureen Kimber. She epitomised the spirit of the Friendlies, she truly reflected a servant’s heart and her involvement with the Friendlies was well known throughout Bundaberg. In her teens, Maureen joined the Junior Protestant Alliance Lodge, and in due course, she rose to be its first-ever Grand Mistress in a time when only men ever rose to that exalted position. Her Lodge life naturally led to an involvement in The Friendlies, andMore