Foundation’s generous donation to improve patient care

Stawell Hospital Foundation’s generous donation of $30,000 has enabled the purchase of life-saving equipment for Grampians Health Stawell hospital.

The Foundation’s donation has funded a BladderScan i10 for the Urgent Care Centre and Acute ward, and a Philips Intrepid Heartsmart Manual Defibrillator for the theatre wing, both of which are set to significantly enhance patient care and outcomes.

An easy-to-use and lightweight device, the Philips Intrepid Heartsmart Manual Defibrillator will make it easier for the staff to respond quickly to cardiac emergencies.

“Having a manual defibrillator helps us to further fine tune our response in cardiac emergencies and improves patient care and outcomes,” said Sally Hamilton, Nurse Unit Manager – theatre, Grampians Health Stawell.

“Being able to administer defibrillation within minutes of a severe cardiac attack has proven to have positive outcomes for patients and we’re grateful to the Foundation for this wonderful donation.”

The BladderScan i10 will enable staff to help those suffering from urinary retention, a common medical condition that causes severe discomfort among patients in the hospital. The portable, hand-held scanner assists in assessing a patient’s ability to empty their bladder by performing quick and easy scans. Data is then transmitted to a computer in the handheld unit to automatically calculate bladder volume.

Stawell Foundation Chair Graeme Ellen said the foundation was keen to ensure the local hospital have access to the latest equipment to provide quality care to the community.

“We understand how important these advanced devices are in providing life-saving care to our community and we’re delighted to support our hospital in funding them. I thank each and every community member for their generosity. Your support helps us to fund items that are vital in providing medical care.”

Stawell Regional Health Foundation has donated over $1.5 million to the Stawell hospital and aged care since the Committee first met in 1989. Some of the recent donations include a new Visionflex all-in-one Telehealth cart, an Optiflow Thrive device that helps maintain optimal oxygen levels in patients, a new Co2 monitor which provides the ability to monitor Co2 levels in recovery or the day procedure unit and a bladder scanner for the care community.

“Stawell Hospital Foundation’s donations have played a vital role in helping us upgrade our essential equipment over the years and in turn improving health outcomes for the local community,” said Claire Woods, Chief People Officer, Grampians Health.

“We are forever grateful to the foundation and all our fundraising groups for their commitment to our organisation.”