Specialist silent drills which allowed newborn babies to sleep soundly throughout the replacement of Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton’s roof are now going under the hammer.
All proceeds of the auction, made possible thanks to construction firm Paynters, will go towards the hospital’s special care nursery.
The auction, which is expected to appeal to local tradespeople and supporters of the maternity unit, will accept bids on 11 Makita and Milwaukee drills which were purchased by Paynters in conjunction with project managers Critical Path Solutions as part of works to replace Mater’s roofing following hailstorm damage.
Paynters Site Manager David Patterson said it was identified early in planning that reducing noise and disruption to patients, visitors and staff would be a top priority.
“When we were contracted to complete Mater’s roof replacement works, it was evident from the start of the project that the safety and comfort of all patients, visitors and staff was of paramount importance,” Mr Patterson said.
“Key areas of the hospital which were of priority to reduce noise impacts were Mater Mothers’ and the special care unit, so we purchased a number of silent drills in anticipation of these works.
“This roof replacement is not only a significant project for Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton but for Central Queensland as a whole, with a number of local contractors and suppliers involved in the 12-month project – and even more people set to benefit into the future with vital equipment purchased through funds from auctioning these drills off in the local community.”
Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton General Manager Alison Boyle said proceeds from the auction would go to Mater Foundation, supporting Rockhampton’s special care nursery.
“In discussions with the contractors, it was decided that if the drills were purchased to improve the experience for our mums and bubs, then proceeds from their sale should go towards the same cause,” Ms Boyle said.
“I want to thank Paynters and project managers Critical Path Solutions for their thoughtfulness both in using quiet drills to begin with, but now also auctioning them off for the benefit of our Mater babies.”
Pictured: Site Manager David Patterson with Mater midwife Jaymie Duncan.