ALMOST $18,000 worth of medical equipment is being supplied to one-nurse nursing clinics via the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.
Foundation CEO Tony Franz said the equipment, going to Croydon and Georgetown clinics, would make a big difference to the health outcomes of people in those areas.
“Some of this equipment will make it a lot easier for the nurses, who often go out and deal with accident victims in the bush or on the road late at night, miles away from any help,” Mr Franz said.
Croydon will receive a vein finder, drug case and trauma kit, portable suction machine and defibrillator. Georgetown will receive an otoscope, auroscope and defibrillator.
Croydon Primary Health Centre Director of Nursing Damian Orrell said he could not wait for his new equipment to arrive.
“That vein finder will make a world of difference particularly in children and dehydrated people, all the equipment we’re receiving is very portable and compact so will be great and much easier for us to use out in the field, Mr Orrell said. “I can’t wait for that equipment to arrive. We are single nurse clinics and we often rely on lay people to help us, so this equipment will make a huge difference to what we can achieve out here,” he said.
Georgetown Primary Health Centre Director of Nursing Keren Plath said the equipment would make a significant difference.
“Carrying a portable defibrillator will increase the survival rate of any patient who may suffer cardiac arrest. At times, we have to drive through bushland, grassed paddocks and very rough and corrugated roads. With the equipment I have ordered, the team can continuously monitor the unwell patient and if we need to shock someone who is having cardiac arrest we will be well equipped,” Mrs Plath said.
The donations originated from Atherton Tableland residents and regular Foundation donors Les and Anne Mills, who said they felt for people in the bush.
“A friend made us aware of how bad the situation is for some of the people out in the bush dealing with drought and we thought this was one way we could help make a difference and that the people out there would know that others were thinking of them,” Mrs Mills said.
“We’re very happy to provide the money as we believe farmers are the backbone of the nation and charity begins at home,” she said.
PHOTO: Les and Anne Mills with Foundation CEO Tony Franz.
