Flinders Foundation’s generous supporters are funding a range of new research projects and patient care improvements across a variety of illnesses and diseases.

Here, we share a few updates on how your support is helping to improve the health of those in our community. Thank you!

‘Airvo’ providing comfort to patients at end of life

Palliative care patients with an alternate airway such as a tracheostomy or laryngectomy - generally as a result of cancer treatment– are benefiting from a new ‘Airvo’ portable humidifier to help them to breathe easier and more comfortably.

“Normally, people breathe through their nose which is where air is filtered, moistened and warmed, so when it reaches the lungs it has gone from room temperature to a lovely 37 degrees - the temperature which our lungs are used to and keep everything functioning normally,” Head and Neck Coordinator, Nurse Practitioner Tracey Nicholls explains.

“But when a patient has a tracheostomy tube or a laryngectomy, breathing occurs through an opening in the neck and the normal heating and filtering system is bypassed.

“So artificially warmed and moistened air through the Airvo is very comforting and more normal for the lungs to process and provides that extra comfort in a patient's final days by reducing secretions and the need for suctioning and coughing.”