Fundraising campaign results in new anaesthetic equipment
3 April 2007
Fundraising campaign results in new anaesthetic equipment
A successful fundraising campaign for Western District Health Service has resulted in the purchase of new state-of-the-art anaesthetic equipment for use in the operating theatres at Hamilton Base Hospital.
The Integrated Anaesthetic Machines and Monitors are used for the delivery and administration of anaesthesia to patients during surgery, and the monitoring of the patient’s vital signs throughout the surgery. WDHS’ previous anaesthetic machines and monitors were ageing and heading towards obsolescence.
The Health Service launched a campaign to raise the $190,000 required to purchase the equipment last year, and according to Chief Executive Officer Jim Fletcher, the WDHS was grateful for the tremendous community support.
He said the Health Service had anticipated raising the required funds sometime this year, but a government grant of $110,000, successful applications to philanthropic trusts and foundations, and the generosity of the Southern Grampians community, had seen WDHS meet its target by Christmas last year.
Hamilton philanthropist Mr Geoff Handbury responded to a promotion for the Appeal which appeared in the WDHS Western Wellbeing magazine, seeking donations from the community for the final $25,000 required to purchase the equipment.
WDHS Director of Anaesthetics Dr James Muir, who has played an integral role in the selection of the anaesthetic equipment for HBH, thanked Mr Handbury when he visited HBH last week to view the new equipment.
“The anaesthetic staff are appreciative of the support which has allowed us to purchase this quality equipment, which in turn enables us to deliver the best service possible to the 3000 patients we see in the operating suite each year.”
“The new Anaesthetic Machines will also guarantee that all patients who undergo surgery at Hamilton Base Hospital will receive the optimum level of care possible.
“WDHS receives an extraordinary level of support from its community, which helps to ensure our Health Service is a leader in rural and regional healthcare ,” Dr Muir said.
Caption: Geoff Handbury visited the Hamilton Base Hospital Operating Suite to view the new anaesthetic equipment with WDHS Director of anaesthetics, Dr James Muir.
A donation from Mr Handbury, along with community fundraising, grants from Philanthropic trust and Foundations, and a $110,000 State Government Grant, has resulted in the purchase of two anaesthetic machines and monitors.