A new health service is set to benefit hundreds of Sunshine Coast women each year.
The Outpatient Hysteroscopy Service at Nambour General Hospital will allow women requiring medical care for certain uterine issues to undergo hysteroscopies performed under local anaesthetic.
A hysteroscopy is a procedure that uses a small camera to look inside the uterus, or womb. It is used to diagnose or treat problems with the uterus.
The service will reduce their time spent in hospital, from up to 14 hours, to just one or two hours.
The service has been spearheaded by Obstetrics and Gynaecology Senior Registrar Dr Adeline Foo, who saw the opportunity to enhance women’s healthcare locally.
Sunshine Coast Health foundation Wishlist helped to fundraise for the equipment and services as part of their annual giving day.
SCH aims to offer the service during the second half of the year.
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Minister for Health and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman said the service will be a “gamechanger for so many women on the Sunshine Coast.”
“Undergoing a hysteroscopy can be uncomfortable and cause anxiety for many women who need to undergo this procedure,” she said.
“This innovative service will significantly minimise the time women have to stay in hospital, reduce recovery time and lower the need for unnecessary surgery.”
Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton was delighted to welcome the service to the region.
“Our health staff do a fantastic job caring for our community’s health needs, and this new initiative highlights their dedication to delivering high-quality healthcare,” he said.
“I’m stoked that more women living on the Sunny Coast will be able to access the healthcare they need, closer to home.”
Sunshine Coast Health obstetrics and gynaecology senior registrar Dr Adeline Foo said it would provide more efficient service.
“Currently, there is no option for a hysteroscopy to be performed in an outpatient setting meaning patients have to stay in hospital for six to 14 hours to have the procedure,” she said.
“However, under this new model, hysteroscopies could be performed in just one to two hours under local anaesthetic allowing them to leave hospital the same day.
“This service will benefit at least 350 women per year, improving their outpatients’ experience, avoiding risks associated with general anaesthesia and reducing length of hospital stay so they can get back to routine activities.”
Money for the new $136,280 service was raised through Wishlist Giving Day, on March 27, when saw a tally of $280,600 was raised at the end of 12-hour appeal.
Donations were matched by local businesses such as GVS Reliability Products, Protector Aluminium, Sunshine Toyota, Just Better Care and more.
Wishlist Partnerships and Fundraising Manager Lisa Wilson expressed her gratitude.
“We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from our incredible community,” she said via a Wishlist media release.
“This $280,600 will go a long way in enhancing our local public health services for Sunshine Coast and Gympie families.”
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