Monitors improve care for medical patients

The delivery of five electronic vital sign monitoring machines are helping to improve care and comfort for patients in the West Gippsland Hospital’s medical ward.

The machines were purchased after the hospital received donations from the Warragul Country Club’s annual charity golf day which last year raised $25,500 for the hospital.

Members of the fundraising committee together with representatives of Bendigo Bank, which auspices the event, visited the medical ward to see the equipment in action

Patient Elvie Fisher said the machines were marvellous.

“I’ve been in hospital before and the old machines were quite noisy especially at night when you are trying to sleep. The units move easily and are more patient friendly. “

WGHG acting director of clinical operations Bernie McKenna said the vital sign monitoring machines had made a big difference to the delivery of care.

“They measure a patient’s blood pressure, pulse and oxygen levels. To have six brand new machines on the ward that can be moved easily to a patient’s bedside greatly assists our nursing staff to deliver a high quality of care.”

Warragul Country Club fundraising committee member Maureen Kittelty said it was wonderful to visit the ward and see the results of the group’s fundraising efforts first hand.

“We are currently planning our next charity golf day and are seeking support once again from local businesses to donate goods and services for our raffle which is a big fundraiser of the event.

Maureen Kittlety said the support of the Warragul branch of Bendigo Bank along with community bank branches of Bunyip, Neerim, Drouin and Trafalgar had boosted committee fundraising efforts.

The golf club’s charity day, which will be held in April this year, has raised $67,500 for the hospital since it began three years ago.