A generous donation from Maryborough Lions Club will improve patient care at Maryborough Hospital with the purchase of new medical equipment.

The Lions Club raised nearly $30,000, enabling the hospital to purchase three portable ultrasound devices.

Club representatives President Jenny Johnson and Assistant Secretary Lorraine Parker visited the dialysis unit to hand over the equipment and see the benefits first-hand.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Lions Club for their support,” said Nickola Allan, Chief Executive Officer, Maryborough District Health Services.

“These portable ultrasound units made possible by the Maryborough Lions Club will enhance our ability to provide high-quality healthcare to our community.”

“This contribution will enhance our diagnostic capabilities and improve patient care by giving our clinical staff the tools to perform essential imaging procedures on different wards.”

Oncology and Dialysis Nurse Unit Manager Prasanth Nair explained the new equipment’s practical benefits, particularly in treating patients with kidney disease.

The portable ultrasound devices help staff accurately locate veins in patients who may spend up to 12 hours a week in the hospital for dialysis.

“Patients with kidney disease can experience narrowing of blood vessels, restricting blood flow,” said Mr Nair.

“The new ultrasound units reduce the number of needle insertion attempts, reducing pain and anxiety for our patients.

“Ultrasound guided cannulation reduces complications such as bleeding, bruising, and damage to the veins. It saves patient’s need to travel to big hospitals,” he said.

The Lions Club has long supported local health initiatives, and this donation aligns with its mission to enhance community well-being.

President Jenny Johnson shared her personal connection to the initiative.

“It’s vital that we invest in our local health services,” said Mrs Johnson. “I wholeheartedly support this donation, as I believe it could have made a difference in my own medical experiences in the past.”

The funds for this donation were primarily raised through the Lions Club’s bookshop on High Street.

The club conducts two main funding distributions each year and also responds to urgent needs, ensuring all contributions are directed back into the community.

“We are proud to support our local health services and remain committed to enhancing the care available to our residents,” said Mrs Johnson.

“Our customers know that every dollar spent at our bookshop goes directly back into our community, and their support makes a real difference.”

MDHS is integrating the new equipment into its operations, with staff using the technology in areas such as dialysis.