In just under a year of fundraising, a new, unique non-invasive ventilator is now in use at Kingaroy Hospital.
President of the Kingaroy Hospital Auxiliary Alison Murray welcomed the new equipment, which will significally improve care at the region’s main hospital.
“We were approached by the hospital to fund a new one of its kind non-invasive ventilator in April 2024,” she said.
The Auxiliary did fundraising for raffles, advertised on Resonate Radio 4SB Kingaroy, liased with local community organisations and applied for a Tarong Community Partnership Fund Grant to help cover part of the cost of the non-invasive ventilator.
Last week the team from Tarong Community Partnership Fund and Alison Murray were invited to Kingaroy Hospital to see the non-invasive ventilator.
Dan Burke, ED Nurse Unit Manager, explained how the machine worked.
“A face mask is placed on the patient to assist them when they cannot breathe in enough oxygen naturally or when they have difficulty exhaling carbon dioxide,” he said.
Stanwell Stakeholder Engagement Manager John Carey asked “What types of patient illnesses does the machine help?”
Dr Burke shared the non-invasive ventilator will assist patients suffering from lung disorders, asthma, congestive heart disorders and respiratory failure.
“The Kingaroy Hospital will now be able to help patients from local areas around Kingaroy, extending to Benarkin and Moore, north to Goomeri, and Western regions,” Dr Burke said.
“Toowoomba’s Emergency Department and Kingaroy’s Emergency Department now both have the same ventilator in use.
“Having one in Kingaroy improves patient care, as patients can be treated on arrival at hospital.
“The new machine is more comfortable than the old one and in a good case scenario a patient is more likely to remain at Kingaroy Hospital until well again.”
Stanwell Southern Region General Manager Mick Joy asked Auxiliary president Alison what the next fundraising project will be.
“The Auxiliary is now fund-raising for several items of vital equipment for Kingaroy Hospital Theatre Department,” she said.
Kingaroy Hospital Auxiliary is proud to continue its fundraising efforts to improve the services and facilities available at the Kingaroy Hospital. These efforts help the entire community and surrounding regions.
