The generosity of Mater supporters across Queensland is helping to transform healthcare for patients at Mater Private Hospital Bundaberg.
More than $1.4 million of cutting-edge medical equipment is being delivered to the hospital this year thanks to community donations to Mater Foundation.
The equipment includes a surgical robot to improve outcomes for knee replacement patients, and a state-of-the-art imaging system for people with lung cancer.
On Wednesday June 26 the hospital will be asking the community to show their support again on Mater Giving Day – when all donations to Mater Foundation will be tripled by matched donors.
Mater Foundation’s next fundraising priority for Bundaberg will be the latest image intensifier technology to improve patient diagnosis.
Mater Private Hospital Bundaberg Respiratory and Sleep Physician Dr Rebecca Byrnes said the latest equipment delivered to the hospital, the endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), is benefiting more than 100 Wide Bay lung cancer patients each year.
“Prior to the arrival of the EBUS, patients in the Bundaberg region had to travel to Brisbane for an EBUS to complete staging before commencing treatment for cancer,” Dr Byrnes said.
“An average of two patients per week from Bundaberg and the Wide Bay were being referred to Brisbane due to no access to an EBUS locally, so this is fantastic for our community.”
Mater Private Hospital Bundaberg General Manager Catherine Hackney said equipment funded by community donations would make a major difference to healthcare in Bundaberg.
“Medical technology is constantly evolving and it’s so important for our patients that we can bring that technology into our operating theatres and wards,” Ms Hackney said.
“Our doctors and medical teams play a key role in choosing which devices and systems are purchased to ensure every dollar donated delivers the maximum benefit for our patients.
“Whether it’s delivering potentially life-saving diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer patients or life-changing hip and knee replacements for those with mobility problems, this technology will make a positive impact on the health of our community.”
Mater is Queensland’s largest not-for-profit healthcare provider, managing a network of 11 public and private hospitals across the state.
Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas said the new equipment at Mater Private Hospital Bundaberg was a great example of community fund-raising leading to improved patient care for the community.
“Mater Giving Day – Wednesday 26 June – is the day the community can give to make good things happen,” Mr Thomas said.
“This special day unites Mater staff, patients, loved ones and supporters with gratitude to help deliver life-saving medical equipment, research, education and healthcare.
“After Giving Day 2024, in addition to the Image Intensifier, we’re hoping we can also provide a wireless ultrasound to support clinicians in the immediate ultrasound-guided cannula removal, reducing treatment times for patients.
“The great news this year is that Mater’s generous Matched Givers have pledged to triple every single dollar raised by the community in Springfield and across Queensland – so the impact of community fundraising will make a truly incredible difference to Mater patients.”
Donations can be made online at https://mater.li/giving-day up until midnight on June 26.
