Donating a massive $93,000 to the hospital this financial year, the finding has been used to recently purchase a portable ultrasound machine and a skin grafting knife.
Dr Ben James said the ultrasound, in particular, is an “amazing piece of equipment” which is already used multiple times a day by medical staff.
“It has genuinely changed our ability to diagnose without the need for external imaging,” Dr James said.
“The quality of the images is far superior to our previous machine - it’s in a different league.
“That quality imaging allows us to diagnose more quickly so we know what to do next.
“We can complete heart scans more easily, and that only aids in patient safety and wellbeing.”
The skin graft knife, or Dermatome, is not only used for trauma patients but is also used in the treatment and assessment of other skin conditions including cancers.
Naponda members Lynne Davis and Anne Morwood were provided the opportunity to meet with staff who use the new items, and get an idea of how Naponda is assisting the community of Deniliquin.
Mrs Morwood said while the donation has been made under Naponda’s name, she said it has come from the whole community.
And that’s because the community supports Naponda’s fundraising activities with great gusto.
Funding is accumulated through various fundraising events, but largely the Naponda Store, Naponda Farmers’ Markets and Naponda’s open garden event.
Formed in May 1970, the primary aim of the Naponda Hospital Auxiliary is to fund items for the comfort and treatment of patients not commonly covered by government funding.
