EFFICIENCY within the surgical theatre at the Mount Gambier Hospital has been improved thanks to a donation from three Mount Gambier Rotary clubs.
The hospital has purchased a new Argon Plasma Coagulant Unit for the general surgical team, which will help control patients bleeding during procedures.
It was made possible by a donation of $9000 from the three local Rotary clubs, which was matched with a further $9000 grant from the Rotary Foundation.
General surgeon Matthias Wichmann said fundraising for the machine stemmed from a visit to a Rotary function.
“It is a specialist device that was on our wish-list, but because it has not gained the priority over other instruments, it was never supported,” Mr Wichmann said.
“Previously to stop bleeding, we would have to touch the tissue with an instrument and whenever you would pull the instrument away it would bleed again,” he said.
“This new instrument allows us to stop the bleeding without touching, which makes the coagulation so much more efficient.”
Mount Gambier Rotary Club past president John Waters said service clubs are committed to supporting the Mount Gambier Hospital in any way possible.
“We feel it is important to appreciate front line emergency response trauma and critical emergency conditions and most of all this community is aware of the professionalism of the staff at the hospital,” he said.
“We thought this unit was a great idea and were keen to get on board.”
Mount Gambier Health Advisory Council presiding member Maureen Klintberg said the donations were another reflection of the importance of service clubs to the community.
“It is an example of the success we can have when the community is working together with the hospital,” she said.
“The fact the Rotary clubs have gone to this effort to source funding for this vital piece of equipment is outstanding.”
