Fundraiser for Taupo Hospital underway
Taupo Hospital and Health Society fundraising underway for an echocardiogram machine (Echo).
Fundraising for the $350,000 required for an echocardiogram machine is well underway with $50,000 already promised. The Taupo Hospital and Health Society committee led by chairperson Lil Hancock presented their Heart Scan Appeal to councillors at the public forum before yesterday's council meeting.
The Lakes District Health Board is keen to establish an Echo service at Taupo Hospital as currently patients in both Taupo and Turangi have to travel to Rotorua to get an echocardiogram. There has been an approximate 40 per cent increase in the number of Taupo patients referred for echocardiogram over the last five years and numbers are forecasted to reach 700 this year.
"The Lakes District Health Board has given assurance they will provide a cardiac sonographer to operate the machine. They will have scans available to patients a minimum of two days a week which should prevent a waitlist. They will also cover any staff training costs of sonographers to operate the machine and guarantee to replace it every 5-years" says chairperson Lil Hancock.
Mayor of the Taupo District, David Trewavas is supportive of the echocardiogram machine.
"Based on the need outlined to Council, we are keen to get this addition for Taupo Hospital. This really is of benefit to our community and we plan on supporting this fundraiser and would encourage our locals to get in behind the cause as well. "
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan of the heart which is helpful for diagnosing cardiovascular risk in patients of all ages.
September 26 2018
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Matt MortimerCommunications advisor 07 376 0641 022 407 4990
Andy TaylorSenior communications advisor 07 376 0781 027 570 4651