Life-saving equipment thanks to generous donation

St George and Sutherland hospitals each recently received $250,000 thanks to a generous donation from the Mortdale Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. The funds will be put toward much-needed medical equipment ranging from ultrasound machines to a new, state-of-the-art cardiac monitoring system.

The Order of the Eastern Star is a social and philanthropic organisation that was established in 1850 as a Masonic appendant body, open to both men and women.

Prior to Mortdale Chapter closing at the end of January their hall was sold and the proceeds given to charity.  In all, over 40 organisations were the recipients of donations ranging from $10,000 to $250,000.

Jeanette Farrant, Worthy Matron Mortdale Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star said St George and Sutherland hospitals were their first choice for donating money.

“This is where our members live and we have all had personal experiences with the hospitals, so we wanted to give them the largest donations,” Ms Farrant said.

Paul Darcy, General Manager St George Hospital said: “We are extremely grateful for this generous donation and the continued support of our community to assist our highly skilled and dedicated staff provide quality medical care to our patients.”

At St George Hospital, the generous donation will purchase a Jackson Spinal Table for Operating Theatres, a Venue Go R3 Ultrasound System for the Emergency Department and a Lumify Mobile Ultrasound System for the Cancer Care wards.

The Jackson Spinal Table is used for neurosurgery spinal procedures which will allow us to meet the increasing service demand for neuro spinal procedures, especially elective and trauma spinal fusions.

The Venue Go R3 Ultrasound System will be widely used across the Emergency Department but will predominantly assist with diagnosis of extremely unwell patients in the resuscitation rooms. 

The Lumify Mobile Ultrasound System will allow the staff and clinicians of the Cancer Care Wards the flexibility and mobility to cannulate patients at their bedside.

Sutherland Hospital will be using the donation to purchase the Drager Cardiac Monitoring System for the Yarrabee ward and the Coronary Care Unit.

This specialised cardiac monitoring system provides clinicians real-time data, that nursing staff can observe from a central monitor in the nurses’ station, as well as from the patients’ bedside. Mobile monitors also allow patients to be centrally observed while moving around the ward. This continuous monitoring, ensures our cardiac patients are given the highest standard of care.

Vicki Weeden, General Manager Sutherland Hospital added: “I would like to thank the Mortdale Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star for this major gift. Your support has ensured we can continue to provide the highest quality health care to our community with state-of-the-art equipment.”

Dr Steve Korbel with the new ultrasound machine in St George Hospital’s Emergency Department.