One of
Bishopdale/Burnside Rotary’s preferred charities is the Canterbury Charity
Hospital Trust (CCHT) which was set up five years ago to provide much needed
medical services to people in the community who can’t wait for medical services
in the public hospital, but can’t afford medical insurance to have the
procedures performed in private hospitals.
The hospital is
not government funded, so it is financed totally by donations, grants and
support from the wider community. Numerous doctors, nurses, other health
professionals and public spirited people volunteer their time and expertise weekly
to help make the Canterbury Charity Hospital a success.
Many people in
the community also help with the day-to-day running of the hospital. Together
they all make a huge difference to the health and wellbeing of the Canterbury
community as a whole.
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Governor-General of NZ Sir Gerry Mateparae congratulating
Canterbury Charity Hospital Manager Carl Shaw at the official opening.
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Dr Phil Bagshaw receiving the van from
Bishopdale/Burnside Rotary Charity Trust Chair Alistair Coleman
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General Surgeon
Philip Bagshaw recognised the need for a charity hospital when he realised that
no government would be able to meet all the healthcare needs in Canterbury.
The East Wing
of the Charity Hospital was opened in 2007 to provide day surgery facilities
and medical clinics, but due to the changing needs of the Canterbury community
following the 2010-2011 earthquakes, a new two storey and larger West Wing was
added to provide additional theatre (endoscopy) space, a dental unit, more consulting
rooms and educational/research facilities.
Many Rotary clubs
support medical treatment for people in the islands around the Pacific, but
since the devastating earthquakes in September 2010 and February 2011, the old
saying “charity begins at home” has become extremely poignant in Christchurch.
This is one of the
reasons that the Bishopdale/Burnside Rotary Club purchased a van, medical equipment,
storage shed and donated car park ground preparation funding to the level of
$50,000 to date.
In recognition of
the superb service that Phil Bagshaw and his team are providing in the region,
the new West Wing was officially opened recently by the Governor-General of New
Zealand, Lt Gen Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, at a special function to mark the
occasion.
