On Wednesday 25 November, Ron Conaghan attended the Mater Hospital, Newcastle together with other representatives from neighbouring Lions Clubs, namely, Medowie, Raymond Terrace, Clarence Town, Soldiers Point, East Maitland, Gloucester and representatives from the Lions Foundation.

A cheque for $40,606.06 was presented to the Hospital CEO, Mr. Greg Flint, who advised that the money will enable the Hospital to purchase a Point of Car Ultrasound machine for Mater Oncology.

The machine, as the name implies, is portable and is about the size of a Lap Top and is taken to persons who need certain procedures to be carried out by nursing staff.

When operated, the machine easily detects the location of veins in order for the procedures to be carried without stress to the patient and the nurse.

Due to its portability, this aspect assists staff in not having to move the patients to the machine again easing the stress to the patients.

A demonstration was given and everyone in attendance could see the advantage of using such a machine.

Currently, we were informed that the machine is being used on an average of between four and five times per day and is based in Ward 5 of the Hospital.

A small plaque has been designed and will be affixed to the machine indicating all who were involved in accumulating the funds.

Tea Gardens Lions Club donated $2000.00 and we are not aware of the amounts provided by the other Clubs and the Lions Foundation.

We accumulated the funds throughout the year and were proud to assist in this most beneficial project as there is no doubt that persons from Tea Gardens,Hawks Nest and surrounding areas will benefit at some stage from this machine.

Tea Gardens Lions Club will continue to raise funds to support our community.

By Ron CONAGHAN