We are so excited to announce that we have committed a massive $442,310 worth of support to local health projects, including $10,000 towards a superbug research project.

[caption id="attachment_1374" align="alignleft" width="219"] Dr Adam Stewart[/caption]

Funding the critical and innovative superbug research project - a joint collaboration with the University of the Sunshine Coast - will enable a better understanding of the nature and spread of drug-resistant bacteria, known as superbugs, among hospital patients.

Project lead, Dr Adam Stewart, in the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH) hopes the research will enable rapid identification of resistant bacterial infections to reduce the risk of a hospital outbreak.

“The information obtained from this study will determine if there is evidence of transmission of infections occurring within our hospital, especially in high-risk patients in the Intensive Care Unit,” Dr Stewart said.

“Ultimately, we hope to enable a faster, more directed infection control response.”

“As well as posing a threat to our patient population, hospital outbreaks are known to carry a major financial burden on the public health service.”

The $10,000 Wishlist grant will go directly towards the identification and genetic characterisation of more than 200 multi-drug resistant organisms.

“The Wishlist grant will provide our team with the resources we need to start this urgent research. We can now work on enhancing our care, especially for our most vulnerable patients.”

Wishlist’s commitment of $442,310 has provided financial support to many other Sunshine Coast health initiatives, which included $76,007 worth of vital medical equipment.

Wishlist CEO Lisa Rowe said the spend also included the extension of the popular local Clown Doctor service for another two years – valued at $110,800, and additional hours for the music therapist to spend with palliative care patients at Caloundra Hospital.

“We are happy to announce that we are not only supporting important medical research projects and purchasing medical equipment, but the giggles and gags in the Children’s Ward will continue with our local Clown Doctors,” Ms Rowe said.

WHAT ELSE WISHLIST IS FUNDING:

$76,007 in life-saving medical equipment
$5080 towards staff education
$6952 for iPads for children undergoing surgery
$19,532 for a Telehealth Unit at Gympie Hospital