General News
18 February, 2026
$50,000 hospital donations
NEARLY $50,000 worth of new equipment has been donated to Innisfail Hospital.
The Innisfail Hospital Friends of the Foundation have funded more than $47,000 worth of new equipment.
The equipment includes:
Specialised respiratory devices
Advanced imaging equipment
New maternity waiting room furniture.
Innisfail Hospital physiotherapist Kyle Rowsell said the new mucus clearing devices would significantly benefit people in the community living with chronic lung conditions.
“These devices help move mucus from deep within the lungs, open the airways for longer and improve the ability to clear secretions,” Mr Rowsell said.
“They’re particularly helpful for patients with conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphysema, bronchitis and bronchiectasis.”
The equipment promotes better ventilation and reduces gas trapping, supporting patients to breathe more comfortably and effectively.
The hospital also has received a humidification system, used alongside compatible ventilators to support patients with breathing difficulties.
Ward one nurse unit manager Birgit Mertens said the equipment would support patient of all ages – from newborns to adults – with illnesses such as pneumonia, asthma flare-ups, bronchiolitis and COPD.
“By adding warm moisture to the air delivered to the lungs, the system keeps airways from drying out, helps loosen mucus, prevents blockages and improves breathing comfort,” Ms Mertens said.
“It also reduces water build‐up in the tubing and is easier for staff to set up and adjust.”
A new ultrasound transducer, funded for the hospital’s Emergency Department, will provide far clearer and deeper imaging, particularly important for obstetric, gynaecological, cardiac and abdominal assessments.
Director of nursing Shelly Slater said the technology would help clinicians detect issues, such as early pregnancy complications, ovarian torsion, low‐volume blood flow, placental abnormalities and foetal heart concerns. Two waiting area couches have been added to the maternity unit
Read More: Innisfail