Young patients within the Sunshine Coast University Hospital children’s ward will have improved treatment, thanks to a new ultrasound machine.
The machine will help staff identify veins for cannulation, which can otherwise be an extremely difficult and painful procedure, with each failed attempt adding to the trauma of a hospital stay.
Local health foundation Wishlist provided the equipment through a Children’s Hospital Foundation grant, which used $33,500 of funds raised by local Sunshine Coast Woolworths stores as part of their 2023 Woolworths Easter appeal.
Dr Clare Thomas explained the impact the new equipment would have.
“It can be really traumatic for both children and parents when numerous attempts are made to insert a cannular, this equipment enables staff to get the cannular in on the first attempt and makes a scary procedure much easier and much quicker,” she said via Wishlist media release.
“The procedure can take up to 45 minutes in some cases, so it also frees up staff to focus on other areas of our young patient’s treatment.”
Local Woolworths team members from across the region visited the SCUH to present the machine to health staff and see where their fundraising efforts go.
Wishlist CEO Lisa Rowe said it was a great result for local health services.
“This equipment is the outcome of local Woolies staff rallying their customers to support the local health services they all rely on,” she said.
“It’s also part of a $1.3 million investment that Wishlist has made so far, this financial year alone thanks to generous supporters like the Childrens Hospital Foundation, Woolworths and those that buy the tokens during their Easter appeal.”
Not-for-profit organisation Wishlist celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, with more than $22 million raised for the provision of medical equipment, research, education, and services to support patients, including supported accommodation.
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