Innisfail Hospital Friends of the Foundation have helped enhance patient care at Innisfail Hospital by funding more than $47,000 worth of new equipment, as part of its ongoing support for Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation initiatives.
The group’s contribution has enabled the purchase of specialised respiratory devices, advanced imaging equipment, and new maternity waiting room furniture – improving comfort, diagnostics, and treatment for patients across several departments.
Innisfail Hospital Physiotherapist Kyle Rowsell said the newly purchased Mucus Clearing Devices would significantly benefit people in the community living with chronic lung conditions.
“These devices help move mucus from deep within the lungs, open the airways for longer, and improve the ability to clear secretions,” Mr Rowsell said. “They’re particularly helpful for patients with conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphysema, bronchitis, and bronchiectasis.” The equipment promotes better ventilation and reduces gas trapping, supporting patients to breathe more comfortably and effectively.
The hospital also has received a humidification system, used alongside compatible ventilators to support patients with breathing difficulties.
Ward 1 Nurse Unit Manager Birgit Mertens said the equipment would support patient of all ages – from newborns to adults – with illnesses such as pneumonia, asthma flare-ups, bronchiolitis, and COPD.
“By adding warm moisture to the air delivered to the lungs, the system keeps airways from drying out, helps loosen mucus, prevents blockages, and improves breathing comfort,” Ms Mertens said.
“It also reduces water build‑up in the tubing and is easier for staff to set up and adjust.”
A new ultrasound transducer, funded for the hospital’s Emergency Department, will provide far clearer and deeper imaging—particularly important for obstetric, gynaecological, cardiac, and abdominal assessments.
Director of Nursing Shelly Slater said the technology would help clinicians detect issues such as early pregnancy complications, ovarian torsion, low‑volume blood flow, placental abnormalities, and foetal heart concerns.
“The improved resolution means better diagnostic accuracy, especially for patients who are harder to scan,” Ms Slater said.
The Cassowary Hub Maternity Unit has received two new waiting‑area couches, improving comfort for women and families accessing maternity services.
Maternity Unit Nurse Unit Manager Tasmine Mueller said the addition has already made a meaningful difference.
“What seems like a simple purchase has actually transformed the flow and feel of the unit,” Ms Mueller said.
“It gives women a comfortable space to wait, connect with one another, and feel part of the maternity community.”
The equipment was funded by the hard-working Innisfail Hospital Friends of the Foundation, through cent sales, golf days, raffles and generous donations.
Friends president Estelle Kopp said it was always rewarding to see the results of their hard work result in better outcomes for patients. “For us, it’s always about the patients and the staff. If we can do one little thing to make life better and easier for them, then it’s worthwhile,” Mrs Kopp said.
Foundation CEO Gina Hogan paid tribute to the dedicated volunteers. “We have a number of dedicated volunteers at outlying hospitals, from Tully to the Torres Strait and they are such an incredible group who fundraise for their local hospitals. The Innisfail Friends are particularly active in their community and they have contributed untold hours into improving outcomes for patients and staff,” Mrs Hogan said.
Photo: Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation Volunteer Program Coordinator Skye Reeves, Innisfail Hospital Clinical Midwife Sarah Kesby, Innisfail Hospital Friends of the Foundation president Estelle Kopp, Innisfail Hospital Ward 1 Nurse Unit Manager Birgit Mertens, Innisfail Hospital Director of Nursing/Facility Manager Shelly Slater, Innisfail Hospital Friends of the Foundation volunteer Johanne Stitt, Innisfail Hospital Senior Physiotherapist Kyle Rowsell, Clinical Nurse Josephine Anderson and Innisfail Hospital Maternity Unit Nurse Unit Manager Tasmine Mueller.
