Transforming’ lung cancer diagnosis at PMBH Camden Haven Camden Haven News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - December 15, 2024 Pictured with the EBUS are Hastings Cancer Trust Chair Dr Stephen Begbie, Lilli Pilli Ladies President Judy Saul, Hastings Cancer Trust donor Kris Murphy of HEM Real Estate, Medical Oncologist Dr Baerin Houghton, (front) Lilli Pilli Ladies donor Elizabeth Harvey of Kempsey, Suzanne Steel and Lynne Frances of Hastings Cancer Trust and Perioperative Services Nurse Manager Leanne Parsons. AN extraordinary grant from the Hastings Cancer Trust is set to transform the diagnosis of lung cancer in patients across the Camden Haven and Port Macquarie region. The funds have been used to purchase a $400,000 Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) system for Port Macquarie Base Hospital. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au The advanced medical equipment will enable doctors to diagnose lung cancer more quickly and accurately, allowing patients to start treatment sooner. The Trust donated $120,000 to the acquisition, which included $26,000 from HEM Property and CrossFit 2444. In addition, there was financial support from Port Macquarie Radiation Oncologists and an incredible $100,000 from Kempsey’s Lilli Pilli Ladies. The EBUS will be kept in the hospital’s operating theatre so medical professionals can biopsy and “stage” lymph nodes in the chest without the need for invasive surgery. By using a special bronchoscope equipped with an ultrasound, doctors can access hard-to-reach areas, providing clearer results in less time. For local lung cancer patients, this breakthrough could mean a quicker diagnosis and fewer delays in receiving care. Currently, 50 to 60 patients from across the Mid North Coast travel to major cities like Newcastle or Sydney each year to access this procedure. Now patients can undergo the diagnostic process closer to home, reducing the stress and cost of travel, and crucially, shortening the time between diagnosis and treatment. Medical Oncologist Dr Baerin Houghton said studies show that distance to healthcare services can negatively impact cancer outcomes, which is why timely access to critical diagnostic tools is essential. “The introduction of the EBUS system addresses this gap, providing a higher standard of care for local patients,” Dr Houghton said. “We really want to express our gratitude to those who made this acquisition possible. “We are incredibly grateful for their generosity. “This will make a real difference to the lives of cancer patients by eliminating the need to travel for diagnosis and enabling faster access to treatment,” Dr Houghton said. The introduction of the EBUS system marks a major step forward in the shared mission of Mid North Coast Cancer Institute (MNCCI) and its supporters to improve cancer care and outcomes for patients throughout the region. Medical Oncologist Dr Baerin Houghton and Perioperative Services Nurse Manager Leanne Parsons with the $400,000 equipment.
