CANCER patients, those at risk of falls, needing rehabilitation after cardiac issues, pregnant women, children and bariatric patients will all benefit from the tireless fundraising work of the Innisfail Hospital Friends of the Foundation.
Almost $26,000 worth of equipment ranging in price from $1320 to $9309 has been handed over to Innisfail Hospital, because of the volunteer group’s generosity in the past 12 months.
Emergency Department Nurse Unit Manager Meg Ridley said a vital signs monitor would be used by chemotherapy unit nurses before, during and after treatment and medication administration. It allows for monitoring of blood pressure, oxygen saturation levels, heart rate and temperature.
This piece of equipment was donated by Mission Beach Aqua Cardio Fit, after being inspired by local patient Lisa Laird who sadly passed away.
Innisfail Hospital physiotherapist Elliot Keenan said a rehab step was an invaluable assessment tool to assist with those being discharged to make sure they would be safe on steps with mobility devices.
A weights machine also has been bought to help rehabilitate local outpatients recovering from cardiac, pulmonary or other chronic health conditions.
Senior physiotherapist Kyle Rowsell said the purchase reflected international evidence that those recovering from those health issues gained significant benefit from weight-based training and rehabilitation.
An internal transducer bought for the obstetrics department gives clinicians a much clearer picture when identifying issues in women in early stages of pregnancy.
“This transducer provides clinicians with a more comprehensive view, enabling them to assess whether the mother and baby are at risk and require intervention,” Clinical Midwife Kaye Clarke said.
Cassowary Area Community Health Clinical Nurse Kerri Tyler said a haemocue tests blood levels for conditions such as anaemia and infections at the point of care, which is beneficial for the Jumbun Clinic so clients don’t have to travel to Tully for testing to be undertaken.
Ward 2 Nurse Unit Manager Kim Humphry said regular wheelchairs were not appropriate for their bariatric patients, due to weight restrictions. The bariatric wheelchair can hold up to 345kg, allowing nursing staff to respectfully and efficiently mobilise larger patients. “Bariatric wheelchairs are required for patients who weigh more than 125kg and with a seat width greater than 50cm. This wheelchair has given our bariatric patients independence and autonomy while ensuring their safety.”
Innisfail Hospital Friends of the Foundation president Estelle Kopp paid tribute to the incredible community that continues to support their local hospital.
“We really couldn’t do what we do without the cent sales, golf days, sponsor support and donations that we receive. We work closely with the hospital staff who tells us what they need and it’s our honour to help uplift local services for our local community,” Mrs Kopp said.
As a subsidiary of the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, Innisfail Hospital Friends of the Foundation has earned praise from Foundation CEO Gina Hogan, who commended the group’s unwavering commitment to supporting local health care through their fundraising efforts.
PHOTOS:
Top: Johanne Stitt, Janene Stanley (Aqua Cardio Fit Instructor), Wendy Niven and Angela Smith (Aqua Cardio Fit Members), Maria Vasicek, Meg Ridley (ED/Oncology NUM), Amanda Tait (Telehealth Coordinator), Julie Kruckow (Team Leader Oncology), Emma Haylett (Oncology Registered Nurse), patient Peter Mclean.
Innisfail Hospital physiotherapists Kyle Rowsell and Elliot Keenan with the new step.
Health Worker Greg Foley with the new haemocue.
Innisfail Hospital physiotherapists Elliot Keenan and Kyle Rowsell with the new weights machine.
Clinical midwives Kaye Clarke, Taylah Satchwill and Amy Morgan with the new transducer.
Registered Nurse Aisan Aloro, Enrolled nurse Shirley-Anne Braithwaite, AIN Susan Allan, Nurse Unit Manager Kim Humphry support “patient” (administration officer) Michelle Percy in the new bariatric wheelchair.
