Stawell’s new oxygen therapy system enhances surgical care

The surgical team at Grampians Health Stawell now have greater flexibility to support patients requiring respiratory assistance during surgery and recovery, following the purchase of a second Optiflow High-Flow system.

A $70,000 donation from the Stawell Hospital Foundation covered several new items including the purchase of the additional respiratory system so both operating theatres now have access to the equipment when required, supporting the delivery of safe, efficient and high-quality patient care.

Stawell Perioperative Nurse Unit Manager Sally Hamilton said the new equipment was an important addition to the Operating Suite.

"Optiflow High-Flow provides warmed and humidified oxygen therapy, helping to support patients through a range of surgical scenarios including during anaesthesia and recovery," Ms Hamilton said.

"Having a second system available provides greater flexibility for our teams and ensures we can respond to the needs of patients across both theatres.

"Stawell Hospital Foundation has supported many improvements to our theatre services, allowing us to continue investing in specialised equipment that enhances patient care and helps our clinicians deliver services locally."

Trustee Brian Hancock said the Foundation was pleased to support equipment that strengthened the capability of the Operating Suite and enhanced patient care.

"Investing in specialised equipment that supports our clinical teams is an important part of the Foundation’s work," Mr Hancock said.

"This donation will help ensure Stawell’s Operating Suite has access to the equipment needed to provide safe, high-quality care for patients in our community.

"We are proud to continue supporting initiatives that make a meaningful difference to local healthcare and we encourage our community to donate to the Foundation so we can continue supporting the Stawell campus.”

Since the committee formed in 1989, the Stawell Hospital Foundation has donated almost
$1.5 million to support Grampians Health Stawell and local residential services.

Grampians Health Chief People Officer Claire Woods praised the Stawell Hospital Foundation for their ongoing support.

“The generosity of the Stawell community and the dedicated work of the Foundation have been instrumental in supporting Grampians Health to transform our service models in Stawell, particularly in the operating suite,” Ms Woods said.

“We are continuing to bring care closer to home in Stawell and we will keep ensuring that every dollar raised in the Stawell community is invested in improving that local care.”