Fundraiser brings new scanner to Mercy Hospital
A NEW ultrasound machine that was purchased through funds raised for the Mercy Hospital Foundation will enable doctors and nurses in Cork’s Mercy University Hospital ICU to carry out life-saving procedures even faster.
Over €37,000 was raised following an appeal made in the Foundation’s newsletter earlier this year by Eileen Murphy, whose husband Pat sadly passed away in May 2016, having spent three weeks in ICU at The Mercy.
The Intensive Care team at the Mercy cares for the most critically-ill patients using life-supporting and life-saving equipment, and Eileen’s appeal encouraged people to support the ICU, highlighting the necessity of an Ultrasound machine.
The care given to John Hoare, who was treated successfully for Oesophageal Cancer in The Mercy’s ICU, inspired him, his family, friends and his local cycling club, the Valley Wheelers, to organise a charity cycle to raise funds. His sister-in-law Karen Hoare was the driving force behind this, along with John’s wife and son Declan.
On June 10, a group of cyclists took to the roads of northwest Cork for the 150km one day charity cycle, which started and ended in Cill na Martra, raising €11,247 for the ICU.
Until now there was only one ultrasound machine which was shared between five surgical theatres, at the Mercy. Funds raised through this cycle went towards purchasing the new ultrasound machine which will allow faster delivery of treatment and further enhance patient safety and comfort.
Karen and Declan Hoare recently visited the ICU to see the new machine, together with Eileen Murphy.
Thanking Karen and Valley Wheelers for their support, and Eileen for sharing her story, Micheál Sheridan, CEO of the Mercy Hospital Foundation, said: “Our mission is to inspire people to support advancements in research, diagnosis, treatments and care of patients at The Mercy University Hospital.”
He said: “We promise to do our very best to provide you with a world class hospital, right on your doorstep, and this is only possible through the help of our supporters”.