UHA was first formed in 1933 by Eleanor Mackinnon OBE and in 2024 has 166 branches.
Over 3,700 dedicated volunteer members across NSW raise funds which are then used to purchase much-needed equipment and items for their facilities.
What we do
Facilities provide 'wish lists' each year to their UHA branch, for items such as medical equipment, patient comfort items, additional training for nursing/medical staff, accommodation, as well as items that are used for all general health care needs.
Branches fundraise through gift shops, op shops, raffles, on-site kiosks, craft stalls, market days, and many other events throughout the year. All funds raised by a branch are retained by that branch for use by their own community Health Service.
Our patrons
Since 2019 United Hospital Auxiliaries of NSW Inc has enjoyed the patronage of Her Excellency, the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW, and Mr Dennis Wilson as Co-Patron. We were delighted to welcome Her Excellency and Mr Wilson at our 2023 Annual State Conference held in Newcastle to present our 2023 Life Members Awards.
In the 2023-2024 Financial Year our volunteers raised over $5.4m net and gifted over $4.9m in equipment to NSW health facilities.
Charity Status
In 1991 UHA became incorporated which protects our organisation as a charity. Our charitable fundraising number (11058) gives all affiliated branches the right to legally raise money for their hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Accountability
Every affiliated UHA branch must remit a yearly financial statement to head office to enable a compilation of money raised statewide. This is a requirement of the Office of Charities and also enables the UHA to assess trophy and certificate awards which are highly regarded.
State Conference
Our annual Conference gives every branch an opportunity to interact as part of the organisation. Resolutions of concern are debated and forwarded to the relevant ministers of parliament and departmental offices for consideration. This format gives members an opportunity to present health and community safety concerns through the impetus of UHA.
Volunteering
Volunteering can be very satisfying and rewarding especially with the UHA, because we raise funds to supply our hospitals, health facilities and multi-purpose services with those extra special pieces of equipment that they are unable to purchase due to small budgets.