ONCOLOGY patients in Warrnambool will be a lot more involved in their treatment with the help of new medical equipment.
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The first of four point-of-care patient monitors have been installed at the Warrnambool Base Hospital’s oncology unit through the support of the community.
The donation will ensure computer access at the patient’s chair which will allow them to be more involved in their chemotherapy treatment and also provide greater efficiency.
Reid Stockfeeds raised $7579 for the equipment with the community contributing the remaining funds to ensure the equipment, worth $9000, was provided.
South West Healthcare (SWH) associate nurse unit manager Michelle Lyons said up until now medical and nursing staff only had computer access in an office but monitors would mean they can remain by the patient’s chair.
“It will allow for increased direct patient care,” she said,
“It will also help with patient safety. Direct entry data can be done there and then.”
Meanwhile two WiFi vital signs monitors, worth $6600 each, have been donated by Tir Na Nog Skin and Body Therapy and friends Maree Sim, Jane Swney and Dani Keane.
Each monitor will replace three pieces of medical equipment SWH uses to monitor blood pressure, oxygen levels and temperature of oncology patients before, and often during, their treatment sessions.