The latest technology in surgical drill at Cairns Hospital has been bought through the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.
At a cost of just over $58,000, the Midas Rex Drill is more efficient and precise then previous equipment, and will save time in not having to be sent overseas for servicing.
Cairns Hospital Theatre Nurse Unit Manager Anne Hill said when the current drills, up to seven years old, are sent away for servicing or breakdown, the cost can be up to $3000 and take several weeks to be returned.
“This new drill is electric, not pneumatic so it is more efficient and has greater control for the surgeon. It is used for spinal, general orthopaedics and for craniotomy and burr hole procedures,”
Ms Hill said.
As well, the new drill enables two cables and has 50 per cent more torque than previous versions.
“We are very very lucky that we have people in our community like you,” Ms Hill said to Les and Anne Mills, regular Foundation donors who decided to help the theatre team with the purchase.
“I guess for us, we looked at what it would bring to that department as well as the fact that if you were in the position of needing that sort of surgery, you would want the best equipment,” Mrs Mills said.
Foundation CEO Tony Franz said Mr and Mrs Mills had been generous benefactors for several years and he was confident patients and staff were grateful of their support.
“This drill will be a wonderful piece of equipment for the staff and we’re glad to be able to facilitate this purchase and make a difference to patient outcomes,” Mr Franz said.
PHOTO: Cairns Hospital Theatre Nurse Unit Manager Anne Hill, Anne Mills, Tony Franz and Les Mills get up close to the new Midax Rex Drill.
