By Lucy Waldron
The Warwick Hospital has welcomed a double-sized palliative care cuddle bed, generously donated by the Warwick RSL Sub-branch through the Belinda McGowan Foundation.
The Belinda McGowan Foundation is dedicated to providing cuddle beds to rural, remote, and regional healthcare facilities, aiming to offer comfort and companionship to patients and their families during palliative care and end-of-life moments.
Bruce McGowan, speaking on behalf of the foundation, to the large crowd of notable figures, emphasised the importance of enhancing the quality of care and fostering meaningful connections during challenging times.
“The power of touch and closeness can never be underestimated, especially during moments of emotional and physical stress,“ Mr McGowan said.
“Our cuddle beds facilitate essential connection fostering meaningful and life-changing memories at possibly the most challenging point in their lives as well as demanding solace for our loved ones in the final days.”
The double-sized cuddle bed consists of two hospital-grade mattresses joined together with a bolster insert, offering ample space for patients and their families. This versatility is crucial for small regional health facilities, ensuring comfort and support for all individuals in need of palliative care.
Belinda McGowan, a former Australian Air Force member, is honoured through this donation, with the cuddle bed serving as a tribute to her service and dedication.
Rod Brittain, President of the Warwick RSL sub-branch, highlighted the significance of supporting veterans and their families, acknowledging the potential future use of the cuddle bed within the community.
Each cuddle bed is accompanied by a plaque featuring a QR code linking to the foundation’s website, sharing the story of RSL Sub-Branch, the Belinda McGowan Foundation and Jackie Bunch’s story.
Mr Brittain presented the two plaques to Alison Evans, the Director of Nursing at Warwick Hospital.
“We are deeply touched by this generosity of the sub-branch whose heartfelt donation of the cuddle bed has brought immeasurable comfort to our patients,” Ms Evans said.
“The cuddle bed to us is more than a piece of furniture, it is a beacon of solace, compassion and love amongst the challenges of palliative care and end-of-life journeys.”
A vibrant member of the Warwick community was Jackie Bunch and her legacy lives on through the cuddle beds.
Jackie’s daughter spoke to the crowd about how her mother’s life was interconnected with the McGowans and how living similar lives at the end transpired to the need for a cuddle bed in all hospitals no matter how big or small.
“I wish I never had to have the conversation with Bruce in the hallway of the hospital, telling him about my memories of seeing Dad trying to fit into bed with Mum during her finals days,” she said.
“And in that moment I wished to have a bed like this cuddle bed.”
The cuddle beds, now placed in hospitals in Inglewood, Goondiwindi, and Warwick, reflect the growing demand for compassionate end-of-life care.
To learn more about the Belinda McGowan Foundation or to offer support, visit thebelindamcgowanfoundation.org.au.
