Cranbourne Rotary Club FAIM team
Reports from 2002-2006
- Members of several FAIM teams commented on problems faced by the hard water, leading to leaks and to break down of pipes and laundry equipment
- Carl Miller Discovery Grant #0764 was awarded in 2000 to investigate ways of conserving water, providing softer water, and eliminating steam leaks.
- PDG Henry Hudson from Ocean Grove Rotary Club led a team to investigate the water problems, and their report included a total of 20 recommendations to the Minister of Health.
- Funding was raised through Matching Grant #18877 to undertake the projects recommended by the Minister. These included replacing the roofs of the engineering workshops, of the kitchens and laundry, collecting the water for the laundry, and of supplying and fitting water softeners.
- Two teams of RAWCS volunteers (Geelong, Cranbourne) undertook this project. they were supported by the local staff, and reported at one time there were up to 19 Tongans on the roof, helping! This was a major advance, getting right away from the "Cargo Cult" approach
- The Matching Grant was also used to purchase non-chemical "Cal-Clear" water softeners for all the points of entry of water to the hospital, and two Deutscher Lawn mowers for the hospital. The significance of the lawn mower purchase was that it was an illustration of change in the culture of the hospital over the last ten years. Then, grazing pigs had kept the grass short. Clinical waste, needles and other rubbish was thrown out the windows of the hospital. The pigs were all there was to clean it up, but at a signigicant public health expense! Appointment of infection control teams, ground staff etc had slowly turned the ship around.
- After completion of the FAIM team project associated with MG #18877, Trevor Chapman retired, 10 years after he had been the first RAWCS volunteer. A great effort! He was sorely missed.
- The twinning program had completed the three year agreement, and at the request of the Ministry of Health, was renewed for three years in 2002.