When the Wishlist Coffee House at Gympie Hospital brewed its first flat white three years ago in April 2013 no one could have predicted the significant – and immediate – impact it would have on medical services in the region.

In three short years, the Coffee House has made a profit of more than $158,000 dollars and every cent has been invested back in to the Gympie Hospital.

Wishlist CEO Lisa Rowe said the biggest commitment from the coffee profits has been directed to the Specialist Outpatients Department.

“Wishlist has been able to approve $69,000 worth of equipment to the Outpatients Department at Gympie in the last 12 months which is one of the biggest single commitments made to the Gympie Hospital,” Ms Rowe said.

“From plaster saws to bladder scanners, every piece of equipment has had a significant impact on the local community, Gympie Hospital staff and offered superior medical support to those who need it,” she said.

Of major importance is that a lot of the equipment now in place means the need for patients to travel away from Gympie for outpatient care is reduced.

Outpatients Nursing Unit Manager Sue Skyring said equipment such as a new bladder scanner and ECG machine funded by Wishlist for the Department means many patients no longer need to travel to Nambour or Brisbane for check-ups.

“Removing the need to travel for medical treatment has removed a level of unnecessary stress for countless local families,” Ms Skyring said.

Wishlist Coffee House Manager Richard Ward said the shop had gained a good reputation and was being well supported.

“Everything about this enterprise is by, and for, the local community and I’m incredibly proud of all the volunteers who help to staff the Coffee House with me,” Mr Ward said.

“It’s a fulfilling role and I’d encourage anyone who is interested in volunteering with the Coffee House team to pop in and register their interest,” he said.