UBC (Uncle Bobs Club) is partnering with Northern Health Foundation to raise $7,500 towards four new sleeper chairs for the Northern Hospital maternity wards as part of the clubs Local Giving for Local Health program. From now until November 4, the community will be able to donate online, or in-person via UBC donation tins or scheduled events. The Local Giving for Local Health campaign began in 2020, and is a proud part of UBCs 80-year fundraising history that includes the Good Friday Appeal conducted each year.

In 2021, Northern Health safely delivered 3,260 babies at Northern Hospital Epping. Our aim is to help ensure each of their birthing suites are equipped with Sleeper Chairs. This will ensure that every partner or loved one has the opportunity to stay with mother and baby for this important and hugely significant event in their lives.

Childbirth and labour can be a long and tiring event for the mother, this is also true for the partner, loved one or support person. When labour stalls, rest is so important. Access to a sleeper/support chair gives the partner, loved one or support person the opportunity to rest and possibly sleep during moments when the mother is also resting. Beyond the birth, a sleeper chair gives the partner, loved one or support person the opportunity to remain with mother and baby for longer, ensuring the skin-to-skin contact and bonding can begin immediately.

When the fundraising campaign ends on November 4, 2022, Northern Health Foundation will purchase four sleeper chairs for the birthing suites at Northern Hospital with any additional funds raised going to the hospitals next project.