The generosity of Mater supporters across Queensland is helping to transform healthcare for patients at Mater Private Hospital Springfield.
Almost $1 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 robotic surgery system for knee replacements and imaging systems to improve the accuracy of breast cancer surgery and orthopaedic procedures.
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 says its next fundraising priority for Springfield will be the recruitment of a specialist Breast Care Nurse to support women undergoing treatment at Mater Private Hospital Springfield.
Mater Private Hospital General Manager Suzanne Hawksley said equipment funded by community donations would make a major difference to healthcare in Springfield.
“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 Hawksley 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 life-saving surgery for breast 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.”
The new community-funded devices for Mater Private Hospital Springfield include the:
- Velys orthopaedic robot, which uses an advanced infra-red optical tracking system that enables surgeons to make high-precision, guided cuts during knee replacements – leading to better outcomes and faster recovery times for patients;
- C-Arm scanner, a mobile imaging system that provides surgeons with high-quality images in-theatre during orthopaedic surgery;
- Faxitron radiography system, which provides breast cancer surgeons with high-quality x-rays in-theatre, ensuring greater certainty that cancerous tissue is being removed and reducing the need for secondary procedures.
Mater is Queensland’s largest not-for-profit healthcare provider, managing a network of 11 public and private hospitals across the state.
It is currently constructing the new Mater Public Hospital Springfield in partnership with the Queensland Government, which will provide the community with 174 extra beds, an emergency department, intensive care unit and maternity service when it opens in 2026.
Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas said the new equipment at Mater Private Hospital Springfield 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, we’re hoping we can provide a specialist Breast Care Nurse to support Ipswich and Springfield patients through their cancer journey.
“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.”
Giving Day donations can be made online here up until June 26.
Pictured: Mater Private Hospital Springfield Nurses Michelle Grice and Neraj Dodla with the Velys Orthopaedic Robot.
