SCDHB

Cardiac patients in Timaru Hospital and Talbot Park are benefiting from a range of equipment worth over $100,000 whose purchase was made possible through the Health South Canterbury Charitable Trust.

 The equipment includes two triple channel pumps and an ECG Machine (CCU/ICU), a haemodynamic monitor (ED), a temporary pacemaker (Cardiology), three stroke chairs (AT&R and Medical Ward), and two shower trollies (Talbot Park).

Medical and Ambulatory Group Service Manager Donna McCann says the purchase focused on items that would benefit cardiac patients, because the Trust’s funds came from the hospital’s participation in cardiology-related clinical research.

The equipment has been positively affecting both patients and staff. The stroke chairs, for instance, mean staff can safely and securely seat patients who may not yet be aware of physical deficits resulting from their stroke. The triple channel pumps mean there’s less equipment crowding a ICU/CCU patient’s bed, making it a bit more convenient for staff and family.

"The generosity of the Trust also means some of the capital expenditure funds designated for these items can be re-allocated to equipment required by other wards or departments.”

The Health South Canterbury Charitable Trust (HSCCT) was formed in 2000 and has the following purposes:

• To foster and promote the general welfare and benefit of patients of Timaru and Talbot Hospitals;
• To purchase and maintain facilities and equipment for use in the Timaru and Talbot Hospitals;
• To actively foster, promote, encourage and develop the continuing education of health professionals working at or from Timaru or Talbot Hospitals in whatever manner the Trustees may from time to time decide;
• To fund, foster, promote and encourage medical research and clinical quality assurance by health professionals at Timaru and Talbot Hospitals.

Since 2004, the Trust has donated nearly $320,000 for the benefit of staff and patients, with approximately $110,000 funding staff development and training (primarily for nurses), and the remainder funding equipment purchases including nearly $50,000 for the Education Facility and $14,000 for equipment at Talbot Park. 

For more information contact:

Arlene Goss

Communications Advisor

agoss@scdhb.health.nz

Ph 03 687 2395

027 276 4259