Knights of St George Heart Association

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-108832

Hansard session: Fifty-Seventh Parliament, First Session (57-1)

Knights of St George Heart Association

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (17:59):

:14 Today I speak about the fantastic work of the Knights of St George Heart Association, a vital community group that works in support of the cardiothoracic unit at St George Hospital. Cardiothoracic surgery is a field of medicine that performs complex operations that generally treat conditions of both the heart and lungs. Some of the procedures performed by these surgeons include coronary artery bypass surgery and aortic surgery, as well as diaphragmatic repair surgery. The association was formed in 1985, at the same time as the cardiothoracic unit at St George Hospital. The association is community based and entirely dedicated to ensuring the security of the cardiothoracic unit as well as to raise money to ensure the unit is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to deliver the very best levels of patient care.

St George Hospital is one of the most important institutions that services residents of my electorate and across the St George and Sutherland shire. It is also one of my favourite hospitals. Aside from its key aim of directly supporting the cardiothoracic unit, the association has also established the Knights of St George Education Fund. This fund is dedicated to offering financial support for the nursing and allied health staff within the cardiothoracic unit and the operating theatres at St George Hospital. It can also contribute to the costs of undertaking relevant courses or purchasing books and other study resources. To date the association has contributed over $1.6 million towards the unit and this money has been vital in the purchase of equipment such as cardiac imaging machines and monitors as well as a cardiovascular ultrasound system. This money is raised through membership fees, dinners, stalls, raffles and donations. The use of these funds is deliberated through committee consultation, which ultimately decides where funds are allocated.

The group currently has over 200 active members. Fundraising events are well attended by many former cardiac patients, providing them with the opportunity to share their experiences. The association typically holds a Christmas dinner dance as well as a mid-year event, which are attended by members, hospital staff and other community leaders. A key figure in the Knights of St George Heart Association is the mighty Dr David Horton, who is the current president of the association. Dr Horton was head of the unit from its establishment in 1985 until his retirement, with his son now being in this role. Dr Horton has been crucial to the success of the unit, as his advocacy saved the unit from its impending closure many years ago in the eighties. Dr Horton was the surgeon who performed the first heart surgery at the hospital in 1985 and has been a highly respected surgeon for 37 years. I have no doubt that Dr Horton's work in the field of cardiothoracic surgery and in the association has contributed to the success of the unit at St George Hospital.

I acknowledge the current executive of the association, including Vice President Alan Jacobs, Secretary Jacqueline Jacobs, Assistant Secretary Anita Horton, Correspondence Secretary Susan Cohen, Treasurer Nick Marshall, and Assistant Treasurer Dorothy Marshall, as well as current committee members and supporters of the association. Many of the members of the executive, including Mr Nick Marshall, bring with them professional expertise that is incredibly beneficial to the association. Some of these committee members have been longstanding, with many serving for over 20 years, highlighting their true dedication to the work of the association.

I make special mention of Susan Leahy, outgoing secretary, who has served the association for over 12 years. Susan has provided invaluable support to the administration of the association. I have had the opportunity of knowing her for over eight years and I thank Susan for her work. The Knights of St George Heart Association has undoubtedly played a tremendous role in ensuring the security, success and outstanding patient care of the cardiothoracic unit at St George Hospital. I thank all committee members and community members who support this fantastic organisation. The work of the association is incredibly valuable and I look forward to continuing to support their efforts in the future.