Friends Donor Choice Program

Donation to Sara Combilizer from Dickens and Diana

Thank you Dickens and Diana! 

The Friends of WCH would like to recognise and thank the wonderful Dickens and Diana for their generous donation through our Friends Donor Choice program.

Dickens and Diana chose to have their donation go towards the purchase of a Sara Combilizer for the Allied Health department at the Women's & Children's Hospital. This incredible piece of equipment combines a stretcher, recliner chair and tilt table into one mobile device, helping overcome clinic immobility challenges and enabling safe transitions from lying to standing with minimal manual handling.

Previously, the hospital had to hire this device whenever it was needed. Thanks to Dickens and Diana's generosity, that will no longer be necessary — meaning more resources and more support for the children and families who need it most.

"The generous donation of the Sara Combilizer from Dickens, Diana and The Friends of WCH has made a significant difference to our Physiotherapy Department and, most importantly, to our patients. In the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, it enables physiotherapists to safely introduce early mobilisation for critically unwell children, helping maintain strength and function, support respiratory health and reduce the impact of prolonged bed rest. It provides children with an opportunity to move, engage and participate in their recovery, supporting a safer and faster return to everyday activities. We are incredibly grateful to the Friends of WCH for their ongoing support," explained Kira, Head of Unit, Respiratory Physiotherapy WCHN (pictured receiving the Combilizer with Dickens and Diana).

Pictured from left to right: Diana, Kira and Dickens

Pictured: Diana and Pauline Linke, President, Friends

Here's what Diana had to say about their experience giving back:

"My husband and I wanted to give back to the community, so we looked into some local charities and found the Friends of the Women's & Children's Hospital. What stood out to me is that 100% of donations go straight to patient care and equipment with zero administration costs. We can even choose the exact piece of equipment our money supports. It's a wonderful and truly meaningful cause. When we helped buy the Sara Combilizer, a nurse told us there were only two in all of South Australia! The hospital had to hire it every single time, which cost a fortune. Now that they own one, they can help so many more kids in the Intensive Care Unit and wards. We feel amazing to know our donation is making a real difference!”