The members' social get-together over afternoon tea recently was an enjoyable affair; some of the photos of "the way we were" showed that some ladies haven't changed at all in the last 50 or more years.

A newspaper scrap-book history of the Narromine Auxiliary, put together by our wonderful historian, Norma Meadley, was a real eye-opener as to what the Auxiliary has provided for our hospital over the years.

Narromine Hospital Auxiliary was first formed in 1950, it's purpose "to help Hospital Boards to function...by assisting with provision of what the Hospital cannot otherwise afford". The first task given it was to take charge of the supper at the Police and Fireman's Ball being run for the hospital.

Since it's inception the list of significant donations is impressively long, including a deep freeze, humidicrib and cots, furnishings and curtains, a life care pump, over-bed tables, a colour TV, and vital accessories for the then-operating labour ward.

The Auxiliary's most recent approved purchase, high on the hospital wish-list, is a portable Welch Allyn vital signs monitor for Community Health nurses to take on home visits. It will allow them to efficiently and appropriately monitor vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, respiratory and pulse rates so that wounds and infections can be diagnosed sooner and hospitalisation avoided.

While we're talking about keeping healthy: Don't forget it's flu vax time.