Even COVID-19 cannot prevent prevent Rotary aid for Nepean Hospital

Article by PDG Bob Aitken, Rotary End Polio Now Coordinator

Stand aside COVID, Lower Blue Mountains Rotary, NSW and its Friends of Nepean Emergency committee has delivered a vital piece of patient care equipment when most other charity organisations have shut up shop!

The Emergency Department at Nepean Hospital, Penrith NSW, has been pushing for a new hand scanner for some time, given their old machine was bulky and difficult to manoeuvre.

Rotary’s Friends of Nepean Emergency (FONE) normally provide support by way of children’s resources and volunteering services in the busy Emergency Department. However, COVID lock down conditions have made such contact service impossible for some months.

A new ultrasound hand scanner was suggested when FONE enquired what else could be done to provide support in demanding times.

Cost was $10,000 and FONE set to work conducting raffles, selling Christmas ornaments and other activities. Fund raising was not easy but Lower Blue Mountains Club made up the shortfall and the machine was purchased in June, just in time to assist with care of COVID patients.

The handheld scanner has now arrived and is proving very popular. It is easier to use, more mobile, and a better experience for patients when they require an intravenous cannula to be inserted. In simple terms, the machine will be used to help locate small or difficult veins in patients – especially babies, children, the elderly or obese.