The Women & Infants Research Foundation (WIRF) are the research group based out of the Special Care Baby Unit at King Edward Memorial Hospital. Despite receiving government funding for critical medical research, the Foundation’s charter does not allow for purchases of equipment deemed non-essential. The JET Ventilator is one such piece of equipment that is considered non-essential by government. The JET Ventilator breathes small ‘angel breaths’ into the babies lungs. The improved high frequency JET ventilator offers less risk of lung damage than the traditional ventilator.

WIRF have been fundraising for this life saving piece of equipment and WA Charity Direct were pleased to fund the shortfall.  This latest purchase for KEMH will increase the number of JET Ventilators to 3, which will go a long way in helping the high number of premature babies cared for in the Special Care Baby Unit.

WA Charity Direct have assisted WIRF previously with an online support service, so it was a pleasure for a few of the Trustees to revisit KEMH to have a tour and receive a brief tutorial on the life saving JET Ventilator.

At the age of 16, young Curtis had a motor bike accident which has left him with brain damage, wheelchair bound and completely dependent on his parents for all his care.

WA Charity Direct is supporting Curtis and his family by funding 4 x 1 hourly sessions of intensive Neuron Physiotherapy for 12 weeks. The goal of this treatment is to get Curtis to a level where he can be accepted into Shenton Park Rehabilitation Centre for further treatment.

INKA Respite is a not-for-profit, family run respite stay in a farm style environment for teenagers and adults with Autism and Down Syndrome, situated at Lake Clifton in Mandurah.  WA Charity Direct have previously helped INKA back in 2011 with the purchase of a second hand vehicle to assist with client transfers.

Over the years, INKA identified that van was in need of replacement and began to fundraise to assist with the vehicle upgrade. WA Charity Direct were pleased to have the opportunity to contribute some funds to finalise the purchase of a new 12 seater van, which offers greater safety and comfort for the clients who seek respite from INKA.