A MAJOR fundraising drive to help keep cardiac patients at home in the Far North, is underway in Cairns.
The Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation’s board has committed to raise $1.4 million towards a second cardiac catheter laboratory at Cairns Hospital.
Foundation fundraising and marketing manager Glenys Duncombe said a second cardiac catheter laboratory would enable electrophysiology procedures to happen in Cairns and prevent hundreds of people having to travel away for those procedures.
“Recent research has shown that our region is among the worst in the country for heart disease and we have also been hearing that our population and tourist numbers are growing quite rapidly,” Ms Duncombe said.
“This is our first major fundraising drive since the paediatric playground project was completed and we really do need the public’s help to get us across the line,” she said.
Fundraising from the 2017 Mount Franklin Cardiac Challenge will go towards the second catheter laboratory, as well as a car raffle that began at the hospital this week.
“People have the chance to win a great Toyota Yaris – and all they have to spend is $2,” she said.
Cairns Hospital director of cardiology, Dr Greg Starmer said staff and patients from the cardiac ward were eternally grateful for the support provided by the Foundation.
“Staff and patients of the cardiology department at Cairns Hospital are, as always, grateful for the support from the Hospital Foundation and Far North community and will continue with efforts to provide high quality cardiac care and sustainability close to home,” Dr Starmer said.
Photo: Cairns Hospital director of cardiology Dr Greg Starmer and Foundation fundraising and marketing manager Glenys Duncombe with the "Car for Cardiac".
