Health staff and donors with a new piece of equipment for cancer patients.

Community Engagement Manager Karen Faichney (left) and Marketing Manager Steve Binstadt of The Westport Club present Sherlock to MNCCI Medical Oncology Nurse Practitioner Kirsty Baxter and Acting Nurse Unit Manager Kristy Long.

Sherlock has a new home at MNCCI, thanks to The Westport Club

Nov 02, 2023

The Westport Club has donated a high-tech piece of equipment that will save time and reduce anxiety for cancer patients who need a catheter to deliver their medication.

The $24,000 device named Sherlock is a first for the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute at Port Macquarie and uses magnetic and electrocardiogram tracking to ensure the PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) is positioned perfectly for medication.

Medical Oncology Nurse Practitioner Kirsty Baxter said Sherlock eliminated the need for chest x-rays off-site, saving time for patients who could have their catheter inserted at MNCCI where they were being treated. Once inserted into the large veins above the heart, the PICC line stays in place for the duration of the patient’s treatment.

“Sherlock is an amazing piece of technology that will vastly improve the care and patient experience for those who require this particular type of procedure for their treatment,” Ms Baxter said.

“We are extremely grateful to The Westport Club for donating Sherlock because it will make a significant difference in terms of time, convenience, and anxiety for our patients.

“On behalf of our patients, we thank The Westport Club and its patrons for their generosity and kindness,” Ms Baxter said.

Community Engagement Manager Karen Faichney said The Westport Club had a proud history of supporting local charities through its Club Grants program.

“Our Vision is to make a significant contribution to the quality of community life, and it brings us great joy to collaborate with MNCCI, an organisation that echoes our commitment to enhancing the well-being of their patients,” Ms Faichney said.

“We deeply appreciate the exceptional efforts of the dedicated MNCCI staff and their compassionate approach to caring for patients and their families.

“Supporting the acquisition of this equipment to enhance the patient experience was an obvious choice for us, and we look forward to a continued partnership with the MNCCI in the years ahead.”

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