As we celebrate Internationa Day of Older Persons we look back at the years in which our charity launched its comprehensive initiative to improve the conditions at geriatric and long-term care units and wards in public hospitals nationwide. Between 2013 and 2017 we bought equipment for over PLN 99 000 000 and donated it to 314 clinics and hospitals in the country.
Alarmed by the appalling conditions at geriatric and long-term care wards, which according to our research received minimal funding and were forced to rely on outdated equipment they received after it has served its purpose in other hospital wards. We decided to supply these wards with pieces of furniture, beds with bedside cabinets and anti bedsore mattresses as well as equipment which serves to facilitate the work of nurses and caretakers, such as bathing chairs and patient lifts. We have also donated ultrasonography machines, ECG machines, and rehabilitation equipment.
We decided to support not only geriatric wards but also extend our help to long-term-care units and care homes, where some of the most vulnerable older patients can rely on round the clock medical help and nursing care.
The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity donated 13 642 pieces of equipment for 314 medical facilities where the staff can now rely on the modern medical equipment, including:
Another important element of our support for the geriatric wards was a publicity campaign raising awareness of how important dignified care for the elderly actually is for their wellbeing. We emphasised how respectful medical care, good equipment and state-of-the-art medical procedures can positively impact the health of older patients. Care, attention, and access to top medical care all show that we - as a society, and we as community respect our elders.
Unfortunately, there are very few geriatric wards in the country, and as Polish society grows older, the demand for geriatric care significantly overgrows the number of specialized hospitals. In 2017, when the Polish Ministry of health effectively cancelled geriatric care in the country, we decided to terminate our purchases. We hope that systematic changes will be introduced and we will see improvement in geriatric care in Poland.
The emotions after the 32nd Grand Finale are slowly going down. Jurek Owsiak summarized the latest edition of the Summer Blaze in January during a press conference held at the GOCC Foundation, as is tradition.
The GOCC Volunteers are well known for their unrivalled energy and enthusiasm. Their signature feature is their smile. What else does it take to become a GOCC volunteer?
The 32nd Grand Finale of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity in Warsaw will take place on the PGE Narodowy meadows. On Saturday, everyone is invited to the partners' area of the 32nd Grand Finale, with many attractions for every visitor to discover!
