MATER’S annual Giving Day is helping deliver life-changing healthcare closer to home, with more than $500,000 worth of new medical equipment introduced at Mater Private Hospital Redland over the past year.
The impact of local giving was highlighted as Mater Foundation prepared for its annual Giving Day campaign last week, which this year offered supporters the opportunity to have every dollar donated tripled through the support of matching partners.
Among the latest additions at the Weippin St hospital is a $180,000 neurotable used in spinal surgery, which has already assisted dozens of patients since being installed in December.
Mater Private Hospital Redland General Manager Chris Junge said the equipment was helping patients access specialist treatment locally rather than travelling into Brisbane.
“Mater receives incredible support from Queenslanders each year and their support makes a life-changing difference to the care we provide in the Redlands,” he said.
“In the last five years, almost $5 million has been invested in new equipment and services in our hospital by Mater Foundation.
“The neurotable is one the newest items we have received, and it’s already been well used by neurosurgeon Dr Brendan Davis and his patients.”
Mr Junge said it made it possible for Mater Redland to perform more procedures such as lumbar decompressions and microdiscectomies to restore the spinal health of patients.
“It’s helped a lot of older people with painful back problems, but also younger tradies who have suffered spinal issues because of their work,” he said.
Mr Junge said the neurotable was just one example of how community fundraising was improving healthcare outcomes for residents.
Other equipment funded through Mater Foundation includes new urology scopes, ophthalmology surgery trays, day surgery beds and prostate imaging equipment.
Mater Foundation Chief Executive Officer Andrew Thomas said Giving Day united patients, staff and supporters in a shared effort to improve healthcare services.
“Mater Giving Day 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.”
The fundraising campaign aims to support the purchase of vital medical equipment and fund healthcare initiatives across Mater hospitals, including services delivered in the Redlands.
