OUR SUPPORTERS

OUR SUPPORTERS HIGH-GRADE TECH TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE Pharmacy 777 is delivering on their pledge to make a difference by generously donating a ,000 pressure mapping system to prevent painful pressure injuries. One of our longest-standing community partners, Pharmacy 777’s philanthropic donations have topped 0,000 since 2011, an incredible commitment which has made a significant positive impact for the people we exist to support. The pressure mapping system is brand new technology for MSWA, which takes the guesswork out of pressure injury prevention according to MSWA Senior Occupational Therapist Anna Jessop. Portable and versatile, the equipment can be used on any seating surface – such as an electric wheelchair, favourite recliner or even a mattress – to determine areas of high pressure. “We want all the information we can get to show us those areas and put interventions (such as modified cushions) in place so Clients do not develop pressure injuries,” Anna said. “Even the most highly trained OTs can’t pick up those really niche highrisk areas without this technology.” “It is such a lifesaver to be able to check what is going on - it takes all the guesswork out of it.” “It is the kind of thing you really want to avoid because pressure injuries can be hard to heal and can impair skin integrity.” Anna said pressure sensors of this grade were once limited to hospitals, so having a portable system available in Perth and the South West region meant greater accessibility for Clients. “We can take it out to Clients, we can bring it to Outreach and it is that much more accessible than it used to be,” Anna said. “It is going to make a massive difference to our Clients in preventing an injury and really improving quality of life. “On behalf of the OT department and our Clients, I want to say a huge ‘thank you’ to Pharmacy 777.” Kristian Ray, Pharmacy Development Manager, said Pharmacy 777 was pleased to provide access to this new system which enabled “improved patient comfort, care and support from the MSWA Occupational Therapy team”. Senior Occupational Therapist Anna Jessop assesses Client Kim Flanagan with the new system. “The Pharmacy 777 Group's vision is to enhance the quality of life within our community – supporting community organisations and initiatives is a core part of our commitment to make a difference – including for people living with MS and other neurological conditions, together with their support team,” Kristian said. “Allocating our donation towards the pressure mapping system, we know first-hand how our contribution is making this difference.” Kristian said Pharmacy 777 had supported MSWA across a number of initiatives during the twelve-year partnership. “From supporting wellness retreats, facilities and research, to in recent years - purchasing key patient equipment such as beds at Margaret Doody Respite House, the NeuroNode communication device and now the pressure mapping system,” he said. “For any organisation looking to see direct impact of donations to the community, we encourage them to get in touch with MSWA to find out about projects and equipment that can be funded to provide much needed support.” A PERFECT DAY FOR MSWA MSWA gratefully accepted a David hails from the Shetland Isles generous ,500 donation from in the north of Scotland, which has INPEX-led Ichthys LNG Joint one of the highest rates of MS in Venture, after two employees the world per head of population. nominated our cause – one Remarkably, David has two they hold close to their hearts brothers and one sister who live – supported under a recent with MS. health, safety and environmental “My two brothers have not been performance initiative. affected too greatly physically, When the opportunity arose to with only minor weakness in their nominate a beneficiary for INPEX’s limbs from time to time,” David ‘Perfect Day’ campaign, Shutdown explained. Engineer Peter Rautenbach and “However, my sister has the Senior Inspector Operations David more aggressive form of MS Graham cast MSWA’s name into and her health and mobility has the ring. deteriorated quite rapidly over the It was Christmas Day 2020 when last few years.” Peter’s wife Carissa ended up in Naturally, both David and Peter the emergency department, after jumped on the opportunity to losing sight in her right eye and make a difference. experiencing sensations down her right side. Several admissions and “I was extremely proud to have a week later, Carissa was diagnosed MSWA nominated, as all through with MS. my life back home I have witnessed several people whom I know, not Peter said the diagnosis took just my family, who have suffered time and many questions to make this condition and I am very sense of. passionate about supporting the “There was an enormous amount cause,” David said. of doubt as to what her treatment The ‘Perfect Day’ campaign took options were, what it meant for our place during a 45-day maintenance small family and what our future turnaround activity across Ichthys looked like.” LNG’s two offshore floating facilities, “It took a few months for the located 220 kilometres offshore majority of her symptoms to from Western Australia, and the pass and then she got onto a onshore processing plant in Darwin. treatment plan.” To ensure all employees returned “Carissa is someone who I look up home safely each day, the Ichthys to and I am incredibly proud of as Joint Venture pledged to donate she doesn’t let MS dictate how she five hundred dollars to six charities lives her life even though she lives (two per facility) for every ‘perfect with it day to day.” day’ the workforce achieved. Peter Rautenbach, wife Carissa and daughter. MSWA representatives joined INPEX at an event to acknowledge the Perfect Day fundraiser donations Astonishingly, the respective offshore facilities Peter and David work on each achieved nothing but perfect days over the campaign, and ultimately ,500 was raised for MSWA. “The work MSWA and MS Australia continue to do every day providing support and conducting valuable research into the disease and other neurological conditions provided us with hope about the future,” Peter said. “Our hope is that MSWA and MS Australia will continue to find improved treatment options for those with the condition and even one day find a cure.” 14 15