Mater Private Specialist Quick Find

News

Mater Private Hospital Bundaberg is all ears for kids

Monday 20 September 2021

Mater Private Hospital Bundaberg is all ears for kids
A state-of-the-art microscope at Mater Private Hospital Bundaberg is providing hundreds of children in the region with grommets, tonsillectomies and other treatments near home, avoiding the need for families to travel to Brisbane to receive care.
 
In a partnership with the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS), Mater Private Hospital Bundaberg surgeon Dr John Elphinstone is providing the only public ear, nose and throat service in the region.
 
“We see about 300 public and 400 private paediatric patients a year so this microscope is a critical piece of equipment for families living in and around Bundaberg,” Dr Elphinstone said.
 
“Many of the procedures involve the insertion of grommets for children with glue ear who, if not treated, can develop hearing impairments.
 
“Early treatment also prevents speech and learning difficulties that can stem from not being able to hear properly.”
 
The $28,000 ENT microscope was donated by Mater Foundation which raises funds for medical care, research and education to ensure every Queenslander has access to the best possible healthcare, regardless of where they live.
 
Mater Foundation Executive Director Andrew Thomas said supporting families by offering access to high quality healthcare was a key focus for the foundation.
 
“We believe everyone who is sick or in need should have access to the best possible healthcare and donating funds to much-needed equipment such as the ENT microscope helps us achieve this goal,” he said.
Dr Elphinstone said the ENT microscope provided surgeons with a much better view of the affected area requiring treatment, such as the ear drum.
 
“It has an LED light which is a major technological improvement on the old incandescent bulb. The extra visibility enables surgeons to be much more precise.”
 
Mater Private Hospital Bundaberg Executive Officer Catherine Hackney said the hospital recently celebrated its 75th anniversary of caring for people in the region.
 
“The donation of this microscope ensures that Mater Bundaberg can continue to offer services to our community using the best equipment available,” Ms Hackney said.

Archived news

View our online archive news articles.

  • Mater e-news and publications

    View past editions of Mater's newsletters and publications for the medical community

    Read more

  • Professional Development

    GP Education, Maternity Shared Care Alignment Program and Events.

    Read more

  • Featured Event

    Wednesday 27 March | Mater Private Hospital Redland

    Read more