March 2011
Ballarat Courier photographer
Lachlan Bence with Ballarat Health Services Director of Anaesthetics Dr Fred
Rosewarne and Dr Liz Bashford with new operating theatre equipment.
Ballarat replaces anaesthetic equipment
BHS Director of Anaesthetics Fred
Rosewarne said replacing the entire complement of anaesthetic machines was a
rare occurrence in any hospital.
‘The machines are similar to,
but an updated version of, those currently in the Royal Melbourne Hospital,
where most of our registrars come from,’ Dr Rosewarne said.
‘They have increased intrinsic
levels of safety built into them.
‘They are easier for our medical
team to operate and, ultimately, BHS patients are benefiting from this upgrade
of equipment.’
The $300,000 upgrade was made
possible with a grant from the Department of Health’s Targeted Equipment
Program.
The Aisys machines, made by GE,
feature a new generation of electronic controls that are more reliable and have
enhanced safety back-up systems.
Servicing costs are expected to
be lower and the new machines will be compatible with existing monitors which
were recently upgraded.
‘The newer ventilator on these
machines is more akin to what you would find in an intensive care unit,’ Dr
Rosewarne said.
The installation occurred over several days to allow for staff education and familiarisation with the new machines.
