IPSWICH Hospital patients are benefiting from new equipment supplied through a $40,000-plus fundraising effort, including handheld ultrasound technology in a first for a Queensland public hospital’s podiatry service.
Two handheld ultrasound devices will help podiatry clinicians assess patients with diabetes and peripheral arterial disease, with the potential to identify problems earlier and improve outcomes for people at risk of serious lower limb complications.
The equipment was purchased through a partnership between West Moreton Health Foundation and BESIX Watpac, whose team is delivering the Ipswich Hospital Expansion.
The company and its workforce raised more than $40,000 during a fundraising day in October last year, supporting equipment across podiatry, renal care and day surgery.
Ipswich Hospital Director of Podiatry Scott Jen said the devices represented a significant step forward for a service treating patients with complex health needs.
“The West Moreton region carries one of the highest burdens of diabetes and vascular disease in Queensland, and timely assessment is critical for patients at risk of serious complications,” Mr Jen said.
“As we integrate this technology into our practice, we expect it to meaningfully improve how we detect and respond to peripheral arterial disease in our most complex patients.”
The funding also purchased a portable ultrasound device for the Renal Clinic, allowing clinicians to assess dialysis access on-site and identify complications earlier.
The equipment has the potential to reduce treatment delays and avoid hospital admissions and transfers between hospitals.
A new blanket warming cabinet has also been installed in the Day Surgery Unit to improve comfort before surgery and help reduce the risk of perioperative hypothermia.
Assistant Minister to the Premier and Member for Moggill Christian Rowan visited the hospital to see the equipment alongside foundation chief executive Scott Young, BESIX Watpac chief executive Mark Baker and West Moreton Health clinicians.
Representing Health and Ambulance Services Minister Tim Nicholls, Dr Rowan said the partnership was delivering practical benefits for patients across the region.
“As a former president of the Australian Medical Association of Queensland, and as a specialist physician myself, I know what this new equipment will mean for patients,” Dr Rowan said.
Mr Young said the fundraising effort showed how industry support could help the foundation meet local healthcare needs.
Mr Baker said the company’s relationship with Ipswich Hospital extended beyond delivering its expansion, with the donation already supporting patients and clinicians.
