A respiratory ultrasound funded by dedicated community members, is now in use by patients in the Far North.
Cairns Hospital respiratory physician Dr Stephen Vincent was thrilled to take delivery of the ultrasound which is the only one of its kind in FNQ, used to diagnose lung cancers and other respiratory conditions.
“The respiratory team is really excited to have this ultrasound now, which will enable real-time diagnostic and therapeutic intervention to respiratory and cancer patients at the bedside,” Dr Vincent said.
“This avoids delay as patients do not have to be booked into the medical imaging department and its images fully integrate with our electronic medical records, which means we can visually track a patient’s condition over time,” he said.
Purchased at a cost of $71,000, the ultrasound was funded by cyclists in the 2019 Mt Franklin Cardiac Challenge, as well as individuals who dedicated donations in memory of their loved ones, to the cause.
Cec Allen was a long-time committee member of the Cardiac Challenge, but died of mesothelioma in July this year. His wife Mary Ann decided to devote donations in his memory, to the equipment and his son Paul was able to be present to see the equipment handed over.
Peter and Trish Sexton have been involved with the Cardiac Challenge since inception. They lost their son Lucas earlier this year, and also decided to dedicate donations made in his honour, to the respiratory ultrasound. Mrs Sexton also has been hard at work fundraising through sausage sizzles and bake sales.
Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation Fundraising and Marketing Manager Glenys Duncombe said it was incredibly rewarding and heart warming to see the results of everyone’s hard work and commitment.
“We understand that the range of patients who will benefit from the ultrasound includes patients with pleural malignancies such as mesothelioma, metastatic lung, breast and colon cancers as diagnostic material can be obtained in a safe and timely manner,” Ms Duncombe said.
“Unfortunately, pleural malignancies are common and with the new equipment, the time spent in hospital will be reduced which is important, not only for the patients who travel vast distances from the Cape but also assists in running the hospital more efficiently. Also, certain pneumonias can be complicated by pleural infections; empyemas. This is a life-threatening condition and if not treated promptly patients conditions can deteriorate rapidly. The ultrasound will enable high resolution of the empyema and guide the insertion of a pleural drain to treat the empyema in a safe manner.” The ultrasound is a tertiary hospital level hospital device, matched by the large hospitals in Brisbane.
Photo: Foundation Fundraising and Marketing Manager Glenys Duncombe, Peter and Trisha Sexton.
