SPRING EDITION
CONNECTION C O N N E C T I N G O U R C O M M U N I T Y T H R O U G H H E A LT H Y G I V I N G
OCTOBER 2024 Our Emergency Department team now has access to two new high tech ultrasound machines thanks to the generous and unwavering support of our community.
New life-saving equipment on the way thanks to community support
This year’s tax appeal successfully raised $82,934 for our Emergency Departments, which is being used to purchase the additional machines that will significantly enhance our capacity to deliver lifesaving care to residents living in Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula. Image: Dr Darsim Haji (centre) with Emergency Department colleagues at Frankston Hospital.
Residents like 17-year-old Levi, who was diagnosed with a rare life-threatening aortic dissection just days before Christmas in 2023. After waking up with extreme lower back pain that impacted his ability to stand or walk, Levi’s parents Kevin and Sonia, made the decision to head to Rosebud Hospital’s Emergency Department, where Levi was seen by Peninsula Health Senior Emergency Physician, Dr Darsim Haji. Dr Haji’s worst-case scenario was confirmed with an ultrasound followed by a CT scan; Levi undoubtedly had an aortic dissection.
“An aortic dissection is a lifethreatening condition and if it had not been diagnosed, Levi may have died,” explains Dr Haji. “The mortality rate of these patients goes up 10% every hour, so time is extremely critical. In this case the bedside ultrasound machine ultimately saved his life.” With its capability to scan nearly every organ in the body, ultrasound has become a crucial method for accurately collecting non-invasive data quickly, ultimately saving more time and more lives.
By supporting us to purchase these machines, you are helping to make a big difference to the almost 100,000 people who attend our Emergency Departments for treatment every year.
Thank You On behalf of the team at Peninsula Health and the many people in our community impacted by your giving, thank you for your generosity and faithful support.