Cancer patients at Flinders are receiving faster care at their bedside thanks to new ultrasound equipment.

Funded by a generous, long-time supporter of Flinders Foundation, the $17,000 bladder scanner allows nurses on Ward 5G to quickly examine the bladder for signs of discomfort, avoiding the need for the patient to be sent to radiology.

“When cancer patients come into hospital, for a variety of reasons they may develop difficulty in emptying the bladder, leading to the bladder getting  full and patients becoming uncomfortable,” Professor Chris Karapetis, Network Director of Southern Adelaide Local Health Network Cancer Services, said

“With this scanner, nurses can very quickly attend to the patient and have a look to see if the bladder is full, and put a catheter in to instantly make them more comfortable.”

Anne White, who was diagnosed with double-hit lymphoma in March, joined Ward 5G nurse Jane for the first look at the new equipment.