Drouin Lions Club's long tradition of supporting the West Gippsland Hospital has continued with a donation of almost $8000 to buy vital equipment.
Members Erika Wassenberg and Ros Ough recently visited the hospital to learn how important the electrocardiogram that was bought for the surgical department is to the hospital.
The club has been a regular contributor since its formation in the early 1970s and follows on from other donations in recent years that have provided neonatal cots, a resuscitaire for newborns and care packages for staff during the COVID pandemic.
Surgical and paediatrics nurse unit manager Babymol Varkey explained to Ms Wassenberg and Ms Ough that the new ECG machine had replaced an older less efficient item and was a critical piece of diagnostic equipment for patients whose condition deteriorates or experience chest pain.
With Wi-Fi connection it can be left outside a patient's room while in use. Ms Varkey said that was particularly helpful if a patient was infectious or when several medical staff needed to treat a patient in a small room.
Proceeds from fundraising barbecues, raffles and social nights by the Lions provided the money for the equipment for which, Ms Varkey, said the hospital was extremely grateful.
Right: West Gippsland Hospital's surgical and paediatrics nurse unit manager Babymol Varkey explains the benefits of a new electrocaridogram to Drouins Lions Club members Ros Ough (centre) and Erika Wassenberg.