A welcome donation to St George Hospital’s Cardiology Ward

Staff from St George Hospital’s Cardiology and Coronary Care Unit were thrilled to welcome organisers of the Richo Cup recently to view the new state-of-the-art ventilator purchased with their donated funds.



The Richo Cup, an annual charity event organised by the Forest Rangers Football Club, Lugarno Football Club and the St George Football Association, is held in honour of Matt (Richo) Richardson who passed away suddenly from a heart attack while playing for Forest Rangers in 2014.



Since 2015, the Richo Cup has donated $30,000 to the cardiology unit at St George Hospital, helped raise awareness about cardiac health with the Heartbeat of Football Charity and purchased defibrillator machines for every local ground in the St George Football Association.



The proceeds of last year’s event contributed to the purchase of a V60 Plus Ventilator, the first of its kind to be bought for the Cardiology and Coronary Care Unit at St George Hospital. It is a dual function ventilator, doing the job previously done by two separate machines and assists patients who are having difficulty breathing due to heart problems.

Mr Richardson's wife, Kylie Richardson, Rebecca Nolan from the Forest Rangers FC and Sue Dick from Lugarno FC recently visited St George Hospital to inspect the ventilator and meet the staff.



“We are so happy to have been able to donate $10,000 towards the purchase of this new ventilator thanks to the generosity of our local football players and their families,” Ms Richardson said.



“It’s great to come and learn about the machine and understand how vital equipment like this can really help people.”



Juliette Sheahan, Acting Nurse Unit Manager Cardiology and Coronary Care Unit St George Hospital, said this ventilator is a great asset for the ward.



“Previously very unwell patients would have been transferred to the Intensive Care Unit for breathing support,” Ms Sheahan said.



“Now with the availability of the V60, we are able to deliver this treatment on the cardiology ward.”