Caboolture and Kilcoy Hospitals have collected more than 500 pairs of thongs to ensure patients in regional and remote areas of Cape York can continue to access vital health care services.
Caboolture and Kilcoy hospitals and Woodford Corrections Health Executive Director Dr Lance Le Ray said the two local hospitals initially set out to collect 250 pairs of thongs.
“Caboolture Hospital Nurse Navigator Nikia Goldsmith was shocked to hear that some rural and remote patients could not board planes to visit tertiary healthcare centres because they didn’t own shoes,” Dr Le Ray said.
“She was motivated to help patients who had a significant disadvantage because they lacked a basic clothing item, so she started ‘Walk a mile in my thongs’ aiming to collect new thongs for people who needed them.
“Simply giving a pair of thongs to people can mean that they are able to board a plane and access the heathcare they need, no matter where they live.”
Dr Le Ray said the hospital was proud to support Nikia’s initiative and the goal of collecting 250 pairs was surpassed early on with 515 pairs collected by the end of July.
“Donations came in from individuals and teams across Caboolture and Kilcoy Hospitals, Kmart Morayfield, QSuper and First Choice Care,” Dr Le Ray said.
“These kind contributions will help 515 men, women and children travel from rural and remote areas in Cape York to access care.”
The thongs will now be sent to the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service in Cairns to distribute as needed.
The thong collection was one of many activities at Caboolture and Kilcoy Hospitals during the annual ‘Kindness in July’ celebrations.
Staff were also encouraged to call out kindness by telling someone when their actions or words impressed, by dropping them a personal note or filling in a ‘Call Out Kindness’ card.