LGH welcomes new portable echocardiogram

LGH Cardiac Sonographer Maria Plows with the new Premium Cardiac Ultrasound.

November, 2023

This time last year we asked for your help to secure a new portable echocardiogram for the Launceston General Hospital.

We are thrilled to report that with more than $50,000 raised, this piece of life-saving equipment is now a permanent feature of the LGH Cardiology Department.

More than 1300 inpatient echocardiograms are performed at the LGH each year, along with a further 1020 outpatient procedures.

This means on average staff perform at least 6 echos a day.

This life-saving diagnostic tool uses sound waves to create pictures of your heart’s inner workings, from valves to murmurs and more. It equips your doctors with critical information.

As LGH Cardiologist Dr Greg Hasking explained, the premium cardiac ultrasound is a major step up from previous machines available at the LGH.

“This is actually a very powerful machine, which allows us to take ultrasound images of the heart and detailed measurements of its function – in real time,” he said.  

“It also provides 3D images of the heart and 3D measurements, meaning we can see the heart in its entirety – not just from one perspective.

“We are very grateful to everyone who helped secure this vital diagnostic tool.”

Thank you to everyone who supported this appeal.