A cyclist team is riding from Canberra to Sydney to fundraise for much-needed medical equipment at the South East Regional Hospital.
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Members of the C3 Cyclists 2017 Team visited the hospital on Thursday while on their 665km journey after having left the day before.
For SERH, the team is aiming to buy two T34 syringe pumps worth $2400 each.
These vital infusion systems are used to deliver predetermined doses of antibiotics or pain relieving medication to a child.
The pump ensures the child will receive life-saving medication in very small volumes at a strictly controlled rate which improves the outcome.
“They will be really, really great,” paediatric clinical nurse specialist at SERH Cynthia Lloyd said.
“Potentially, these could be put in a backpack so the child could play in the playroom while getting their medications.”
In this way, it allows children in the hospital’s care more freedom.
Ms Lloyd said while there was similar equipment in the hospital, the syringe pumps will be the first model of their type in the facility.
In consultation with Humpty Dumpty Foundation, C3 Cyclists identified the Bega hospital, Cooma District Hospital and Fairfield Hospital as having urgent needs for critical life-saving equipment that is fundamental for the ongoing care of sick children and babies of their surrounding communities.
Over $40,000 is expected to be raised by the team for equipment at these three hospitals.
On Thursday media liaison at C3 Cyclists Steve Dunstall said there was a total of 15 riders and five support people travelling between Canberra, east to Bega then finishing at Sydney on Sunday, visiting the three hospitals on the way.
“We all have a common interest in cycling and it’s a good cause so it’s a win-win,” he said.
“It’s great to get out, ride your bike and do something good.”
The T34 syringe pumps are expected to arrive at SERH by early April.