Patients requiring critical care at Sutherland Hospital will breathe easier thanks to new humidifiers that were donated this month.
The hospital's critical care medicine unit will benefit from 12 machines, generously fundraised by the Highfield Committee, thanks to a donation from the Sharks Leagues Club.
The new equipment, which replaces the older ICU units, is valued at $40,000.
Humidification is used for all ventilated patients in critical care.
Used in conjunction with life support machines, humidifiers help to make the patients stay more comfortable, and assist with recovery and prevention of pneumonia.
Circuits provide moisture and hydration, preventing encrustation of mucus and bronchial or endotracheal obstruction.
The Highfield Committee officially began in 1986 with a focus on raising funds to provide hospital equipment, and developing closer links between the community and hospital.
In the past 30 years it has organised many fundraising and community support activities.
Sutherland Hospital and its community services have received donations of more than $2 million. These funds have been distributed throughout the hospital, with all funds being distributed across all departments.
The Cronulla Sharks Leagues Club have been supporting the committee since its inception and continues with that support through its weekly Cash Housie. Half a million dollars has been directed to the hospital during that time.
