A SPECIAL ultrasound bought through community fundraising is helping improve health outcomes for mothers and babies in the Far North.
The $70,000 ultrasound was bought with funds raised at the 2019 Nu Nu Restaurant Melbourne Cup, 2019 Christmas Wrap, as well as general funds from the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.
Being used on a daily basis on birth suite at Cairns Hospital, the ultrasound is used to assess blood flow and potentially even diagnose life-threatening conditions while babies are still in utero, to assist with time-critical diagnosis and treatment.
Foundation CEO Tony Williamson said it was incredibly rewarding to see community donations leading to better health outcomes.
“That’s really what we’re all about – people can and do donate to us very happily, knowing their hard-earned dollars will stay in the Far North and that every cent donated, goes where it’s intended,” Mr Williamson said.
Bookings for this year’s event at the popular Palm Cove location next Tuesday, sold out within 10 minutes.
In the 15 years the event has been held, $179, 000 has been raised for the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.
Photo: Cairns Hospital obstetrics registrar Dr Ebony Gilbee and Cairns Hospital Midwifery Unit Manager Mary McGuinness with the new ultrasound.
