On Monday July 25 the Grafton Branch of The United Hospital Auxiliary conducted their monthly meeting and held their AGM. Among the invited guests present were Mayor Richie Williamson, Mollie Strong – North Coast U.H.A. Representative and State Vice President, Red Cross, Livingstone House, Dan Madden C.E.O. Grafton Base Hospital and Ron Bell (Patron). Apologies were received from Chris Gulaptis, Peggy Davis (Patron), Kevin Hogan and Paul Schofield – Director of Nursing – Grafton Base Hospital. Hospital C.E.O. Dan Madden addressed the AGM thanking the U.H.A. for all their hard work. Mr Madden spoke of the up`s and downs of the hospital over the past 6 months, stating that this year will be a year of consolidation right across the board. At present there is a need to employ a Junior Medical Officer for the Emergence Department. The hospital is also looking to employ a security company to work within the hospital ensuring the safety of staff and patients. The hospital has had a lady ‘specialist clinical officer’ from America, checking out the standards of the hospital and was pleased to announce that Grafton is in the top three in the state in most area`s where accreditation is judged. The incoming committee for 2016/2017 is as follows: President – Alba Linklater; Vice President – Judy Glasson; Secretary – Debra Prendergast; Assist. Secretary – Jenny Campbell; Treasurer – Gwen McLennan; Assist. Treasurer – Margaret Garnam; Publicity Officer – Elizabeth Holdway; Raffle Co-ordinator – Heather Grantham; Liaison Officer – Marianne Kavanah. Congratulation`s to all on the executive committee. Tickets are now available for purchase in the rocking horse which is to be the 1st prize in the U.H.A. Christmas raffle. Tickets are available at Coles (both the Mall and South Grafton) plus Grafton Shopping World. Look out for the ladies representing the U.H.A. selling the tickets. Next monthly meeting will be held on Monday August 22, commencing at 1pm and held in the Education Centre at the rear of the hospital. Elizabeth Holdway