It’s hoped the acquisition of a new machine at the Royal Hobart Hospital’s Paediatric Outpatient’s Clinic will help take some of the sting out of needles for young patients.

With the assistance of $5,000 from the Tasmania Police Charity Trust, the unit has purchased a vein illumination device that assists staff in visualizing veins under the skin.

“The Accuvein machine assists in decreasing the number of failed attempts to take blood and to set up Intravenous therapy (IV’s).  This is particularly important for children who have regular treatments e.g. chemotherapy, medication infusions and will be especially beneficial for children with difficult to locate veins,” said Helen Starosta, CNC Paediatric Oncology-Haematology, from the Royal Hobart Hospital.

“Locating an appropriate vein the first time will reduce the trauma, stress and anxiety for children who have many injections and intravenous drips during treatment. It’s an invaluable addition to our paediatric service and will make treatment for children much easier,” Helen Starosta said.

The Tasmania Police Charity Trust was established in December 2006 and aims to provide assistance to members of the community in need. All funds that are raised from fundraising efforts are redistributed back into the community to nominated charities, groups or disadvantaged individuals.

“No-one likes to have a needle at the best of times, so if this new machine is able to help reduce some of the stress that goes with these treatments, especially for younger patients, we are pleased that we have been able to help,” said the Chair of the Charity Trust Board, Police Commissioner Darren Hine.

“The Trust’s mission is to make a difference in people’s lives, and we continue to strive to deliver this commitment to the Tasmanian community.”

Further information on the Tasmania Police Charity Trust can be found on the Charity Trust section of this site.