The generosity of Mater supporters across Queensland is helping to transform healthcare for patients at Mater Private Hospital Townsville.
More than $1.7 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 Teladoc system, connecting clinicians in Townsville directly to Mater’s nationally-renowned Neonatal Critical Care Unit in Brisbane for 24/7 specialist advice at the press of a button.
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 Mater Private Hospital Townsville’s next equipment to arrive will be an O-arm multi-dimensional imaging system that provides real time imaging and scans in operating theatres, expanding the range of neurosurgical procedures able to be delivered at the hospital.
Mater Private Hospital Acting General Manager Anna Olson said equipment funded by community donations would make a major difference to healthcare in Townsville.
“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 Olson 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 caring for our most vulnerable patients in their first moments of life or utilising the latest technological advancements to improve systems in our operating theatres, this technology will make a positive impact on the health of our community.”
Community donations to Mater Giving Day this year will also enable the purchase of:
• Three Panda iRes Warmers, providing real-time data through a special heated resuscitation table for vulnerable infants.
• GE VScan Wireless Ultrasound, enabling immediate ultrasound-guided cannula procedures to prevent any delays in patient treatment.
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 Townsville 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 an O-arm multi-dimensional imaging system to support Mater’s existing neurosurgical capacity and allow further procedures to be delivered on site in Townsville.
“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.
