Mater Giving Day aids diagnostic care in Brisbane’s bayside

27/Jun/2022     Mater Group

Brisbane bayside patients are benefiting from the purchase of new gastroenterology equipment at Mater Private Hospital Redland, which will help specialists diagnose conditions of the digestive system.

A $47,095 endoscopy image processor has been purchased through community donations made to Mater Foundation during last year’s inaugural Mater Giving Day and organisers are hoping the Bayside community will dig deep again for this year’s 24-hour fundraiser, to be held on Wednesday 29 June.

Mater Private Hospital Redland Gastroenterology Specialist Dr Dheeraj Shukla said the new gastroenterology equipment improved visibility, providing surgeons with a better-quality image during a colonoscopy or endoscopy.

“The equipment assists on many fronts including improving polyp characterisation and  identifying changes in the lining of the colon, oesophagus or stomach,” Dr Shukla said.

“It is the most up-to-date technology to support the detection and visualisation of lesions and polyps, which has the potential to improve patient outcomes through earlier diagnosis.”

Dr Shukla said he performed procedures on more than 30 patients a week using the new equipment in patients with conditions of the digestive tract.

Mater Foundation Executive Director Andrew Thomas said Wednesday (29 June) was Mater’s annual Giving Day, an opportunity for the community to help fund much-needed healthcare equipment and services in Queensland.

“Mater Giving Day is a 24-hour fundraiser where generous donations made to Mater Foundation will be matched and tripled by donors,” Mr Thomas said.

“The funds raised contribute to the improvement of Mater’s facilities across Queensland in the same way the endoscopy image processor is enhancing diagnostic care in Redland.

“Whether you dig deep or give a little, every contribution makes a difference and extends the services offered at Mater.”

Mater Private Hospital Redland Director of Clinical Services Anne-Marie Judd said the new equipment provided Bayside people with access to the latest technology.

“Having the latest image processing technology here at Mater in Redland means our patients can access the same state of the art healthcare they would find in major cities,” Ms Judd said.

“Mater is committed to meeting the needs of the community, and Giving Day is a great opportunity to contribute to improving the healthcare of Bayside people.”

Find more information on Giving Day 2022 here.

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