News

MBH secures lung function machine for Mildura

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 13:49:00

An important piece of medical equipment used to test for lung conditions has been secured by Mildura Base Hospital and Ramsay Health Care.

The Lung Function Machine has been operating at a private Mildura cardiology clinic since it was purchased by consultant physician Dr Dennis Wong in 2016 and is the only Lung Function Machine in country Victoria.
However, Dr Wong is no longer able to continue providing the service and Mildura Base Hospital and Ramsay Health Care have negotiated to purchase it, to retain the facility in the district.
MBH Acting Director of Nursing Kristjan Hobbs said the equipment was an important acquisition for the community.
“For many patients who are referred to cardiologists with shortness of breath, it’s often found that their problem is not caused by heart issues,” Mr Hobbs said.
“The next stop for those patients is examination of the lungs to determine the cause.  Prior to this machine being in the district, that meant either undergoing basic tests, such as spirometry, or being referred to Adelaide or Melbourne for a Lung Function Test,” he said.
The hospital installed the equipment and commenced an out patients service earlier this month.
“We are working closely with Melbourne-based visiting respiratory physician Dr Shalini Bastiampillai, who is recognised for her expertise in this area,” Mr Hobbs said.
“We’re pleased to also have the knowledge of respiratory technician Jan Hosking, who previously worked on Dr Wong’s Mildura consultations,” he said.
“The Lung Function Machine has been a great facility for the community and we wanted to ensure that capacity was kept here in Mildura to prevent the need for a large number of patient referrals to Melbourne and Adelaide each year.”
Referrals are now being accepted from GPs and specialists through the Mildura Base Hospital Ambulatory Care Department.