Your Impact

How You Make a Difference

Your support has recently funded innovative medical research to purchasing vital equipment and upgrading services, changing the lives of Sunshine Coast patients and their families.

Biplane Unit

Thanks to your generosity we raised $600,000 to bring a state-of-the-art Biplane Unit to the Sunshine Coast. This advanced 3D imaging machine will help establish the region’s first clot-retrieval service, providing stroke and brain aneurysm patients with faster, lifesaving treatment, right here at home, without the need to travel to Brisbane.

Breast Cancer Medical Equipment

Thanks to your incredible support, we have raised the full $225,000 needed for two essential pieces of equipment to help local breast cancer patients — the Sentimag and Faxitron machines. These advanced devices replace the often painful “hook and wire” method with a tiny magnetic seed, leading to better patient outcomes through less tissue removal, faster recovery, and fewer surgeries.

Recreational Equipment to Enhance Patient Wellbeing

Recreational equipment has been funded for patients in the ARC (Acute Rehabilitation Centre) at Nambour Hospital to support their mental wellbeing during recovery. Items include bean bags, Connect4 games, hand mixers, sanding kits, paint supplies, and indoor grass mats, with a total cost of $2,361.

Light Up the Path to Recovery

We have now funded $2,084 to purchase BlazePods for elderly patients in recovery. These interactive training tools will help improve movement and coordination, empowering patients to regain independence and reduce the risk of future hospital visits.

Clinical Education Tech Upgrade

After eight years, we’re replacing our iSimulate patient simulators with new technology, including two advanced tablets that create lifelike medical scenarios. This upgrade will enhance training for our healthcare professionals and improve patient safety.

Boosting dementia care at Nambour Hospital

Wishlist has been able to purchase around $3000 worth of essential resources for the Cognitive Assessment and Management Unit at Nambour Hospital. These tools are crucial in helping staff accurately assess and manage the cognitive health of patients living with dementia. With these new resources, staff can provide more tailored care, improving the quality of life for vulnerable patients. Thank you for enhancing the care and comfort of those facing the challenges of dementia.

Comfort to children in Emergency Departments

Thanks to donations from 92.7 Mix FM's Give Me 5, we’ve been able to purchase almost $2000 worth of play equipment for children awaiting treatment in Emergency Departments at Sunshine Coast University Hospital and Nambour Hospital. This new equipment provides comfort and distraction during what can be a stressful time, helping young patients feel more at ease as they wait for care. Your support is making a real difference in the local hospital experience.

Ultrasound for Voluntary Assisted Dying

Thanks to your support, we’ve expanded local access to Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) by purchasing a $10,000 ultrasound machine to guide cannulation. Many VAD patients have difficult venous access due to prior treatments or reduced intake, often requiring hospital visits for cannula insertion. The Vscan Air device allows precise ultrasound guidance, helping patients receive care comfortably without the need for hospital trips. Your generosity has brought this vital service closer to home, offering dignity and peace during challenging times.

Head & neck cancer study

Thanks to the Sunshine Coast Head and Neck Cancer Support Group, the STRiDe-HNC study has been funded. This study investigates sarcopenia toxicity prevalence and diagnosis in head and neck cancer survivors. In 2024, $4800 was directed to this important project thanks to the power of community fundraising.

MRI-compatible ventilator

Newborns will no longer need to travel to Brisbane for routine MRI scans, thanks to the generous support of the 2024 92.7 MIX FM's Give Me 5 appeal and the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.  
The $85,000 MRI-compatible ventilator now allows babies younger than six months to undergo MRI scans at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital’s Neonatal Unit. Read Nellie's story here.

Music therapy for palliative patients

Outdoor Seating for Health Heroes

Thanks to generous donations, Wishlist has funded an $8,266 project to provide outdoor seating for our dedicated health heroes at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital. This new breakout space on Level 1 offers a quiet, inviting area with an elevated outlook, perfect for wellness and mindfulness. Accessible to all staff, it’s a place where they can relax and recharge, showing them just how much they are valued.

Blanket Warmer for Eating Disorder Patients

Your donations have funded a $15,000 blanket warmer for Ward 5B at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, enhancing comfort and care for young patients undergoing eating disorder treatment.

Power Wheelchairs

Loss of movement impacts physically and psychologically. Thanks to the Honda Foundation, Sunshine Toyota, Sam & Dan’s fundraiser, and a generous donor, we have been able to purchase three electric wheelchairs, a cost of $17,299 each, to give patients the ability to move towards companionship, a glass of water or to sit in the sunshine without having to wait for busy nursing staff.

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Boost Gynaecology Services

Thanks to your donations during Wishlist Giving Day 2024, we have purchased an $87,150 Myosure device for better help outcomes for women. This device removes intra-uterine polyps, fibroids and other lesions under direct vision and lessens operating time and complications. This device will help over 100 women each year.

Garden Shade Sail

Thanks to the Rotary Club of Nambour, Poole Group, Kruger Law and Just Better Care Sunshine Coast, we have been able to fund four shade sails for the Wishlist Sensory Garden at Glenbrook Aged Care in Nambour, and their families, can enjoy the garden all-year-round. Cost: $20,000.

Solar Panels for Wishlist Centre

Thanks to the Sunshine Coast Council’s Major Grants round in 2024, we can now boost Wishlist Centre’s sustainability by increasing the number of solar panels - empowering eco-friendly energy solutions for a greener future. Cost: $6,744

Empowering Women's Health

Thanks to your support on Wishlist Giving Day, we are establishing a $136,280 Outpatient Hysteroscopy Service at Nambour General Hospital for women undergoing procedures for uterine issues. This new service will allow rapid diagnosis and reduce the risk of anaesthesia and length of hospital stay.

Physiotherapy Equipment

We’ve funded $30,000 towards physiotherapy equipment for clinics across the health service, including brand new multi-gyms, weight plates and curl machines to help patients make the strongest possible start on their recovery journey.

Outpatient Respiratory Physiotherapy Telerehab Enhancement Project

This project will make the Telehealth pulmonary rehab program more accessible, safe and effective by providing smart devices for respiratory patients to borrow allowing them to participate in the pulmonary rehab program; portable gym equipment for loan to improve exercise capacity outcome measures of participants; lapel microphone to improve sound quality and consequently program effectiveness and safety between instructor and participants. Cost: $7,822.

Epidural Positioning Device

Being in labour and having a Caesarean section are both stressful events, if a spinal or epidural are needed it tends to escalate women's anxiety. An Epidural Positioning Device has been funded to make the process quicker and easier for birthing women at Gympie Hospital. Cost; $6545.

Resources for mental health patients

Purchasing a cuppa or cake at Wishlist Coffee House Nambour has led to funding $4,013 worth of sporting, recreational equipment and craft items to enhance the lives of mental health patients at the Pandanus and Bunya Units at Nambour Hospital.

Portable oxygen equipment

Palliative patients will be able to improve their quality of life by borrowing a portable oxygen concentrator to allow greater patient freedom and independence. Your donations have funded two portable oxygen concentrators worth $7,140 to support early discharge home from hospital.

Equipment for vascular patients

More than 100 vascular and lymphoedema patients will benefit from an Ankle Brachial Pressure Index Assessment Machine to ensure a safe assessment before compression application. The machine, worth $6017, will create better patient outcomes and lessen complications and admissions to hospital.

Ultrasound for Gympie Hospital

Purchasing a cuppa or cake at Wishlist Coffee House Gympie has led to funding a $7,716 real-time ultrasound to give physiotherapists important biofeedback on a patient's pelvic floor muscle activation. This equipment will help men who have undergone radical prostatectomy procedures at Gympie Hospital.

Sensory items for Mental Health patients

Wishlist has been able to fund $2,259 worth of sensory modulation equipment and resources for mental health patients in the Kamala Unit at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital. The equipment will help support exercise and sensory groups like yoga, stretching, pilates and more.

Evaluation study

Nurses and midwives form the largest clinical workforce in the health system and provide a majority of the interpersonal elements of care to patients. Historically nurses & midwives have been required to deal with complex clinical situations, organisational pressures, distraught patients and families. Thanks to your support, $5,500 has been directed to Evaluating Reflective Practice Groups (RPGs) as a form of Clinical Supervision for staff.

DV Social Worker

In a world where homes should be sanctuaries, many suffer in silence. We have funded a dedicated SCHHS Social Worker for three years at a cost of $240,000 to share vital information of high-risk Domestic and Family Violence cases with other agencies, including police, child safety, support services and more.

HEAR FROM GABY

Liver Disease Study

Thanks to donations, data from more than 8000 patients were studied by Sunshine Coast Professor James O'Beirne to investigate the impact of diabetes on the outcome of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study was published in the Medical Journal of Australia and has led to identifying at-risk people earlier and ensuring timely treatment.

HEAR FROM PROF O'BEIRNE

Point Of Care Ultrasound

To make procedures for children better through the provision of a POCUS machine for the Children’s and Adolescent Unit. Cost: $33,500.

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Equipment for Birth

Giving birth is a daunting experience, and can sometimes be traumatic. We funded a $9,790 HiPac chair to improve the comfort and pain for birthing women needing an epidural prior to birth.

Child Continence Service

Resources and equipment for children who require specialised continence services. Previously, young patients would travel to Brisbane but thanks to donations, physiotherapy is now included within the multidisciplinary team at SCUH.

Creating Calm

Calming wall art in several birthing suites at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital to create a a more comfortable environment. One suite shows an Aboriginal and Torres Strait theme and another with a softer tone for women with fetal loss. Cost: $5,000 per suite.

Pocket Talkers

Two Pocket Talkers for the Older Persons Mental Health team at Maroochydore. These devices help patients who are hard of hearing which will enable easier and more accurate communication when testing cognitive ability and more.

Palliative Care Cuddle Bed

A Cuddle Bed to offer patients and loved ones a compassionate approach to end-of-life care. This Cuddle Bed gives family members the opportunity to lay with their loved ones and make the most of their final hours with them. $18,283.

SOZO Machines for Cancer Patients

Enhancing treatment for cancer patients at the Adem Crosby Centre at Sunshine Coast University Hospital with two SOZO machines to give health staff a precise snapshot of fluid status and tissue composition in less than 30 seconds. $24,926.

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Specialised Service for Elderly Patients

Weighted blankets and massage chair

Intraoral camera for dental patients

This equipment is needed at Kawana Oral Health to assist in the assessment, diagnosis and monitoring of oral conditions, particularly for oral medicine/pathology and oral cancers. $3,520

Clinic for Speech Pathology Patients

Thanks to your donations, we have establishing a clinic to reduce travel and wait times for patients needing a swallowing assessment.

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Helping Heart Failure Patients in the Community

Use of a smartphone based interactive system for heart failure patients in the community.

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Infrared Video Goggles

Help purchase vital equipment to assess and manage patients with severe vertigo and dizziness. $5,357.

Equipment for Hearing Screening

Resources for the Jabba Jabba Child Health Team to improve access and fund equipment for hearing screening. $8,299.

Supporting Patients with Complex Needs

Updated emergency management plans for 150 children each year with complex and rare medical conditions.

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Equipment for Newborns

A Radiometer Arterial Blood Gas Analyser Flex 90 Plus for Maternity and Paediatric Units at Gympie Hospital to support babies born who need blood glucose screening for 24-48hrs after birth. $5692.

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Helping At-Risk Mums

A Clinical Nurse Consultant to support newborns and their mothers experiencing domestic violence and trauma.

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Dedicated Nurse for Young Patients

Funding an adolescent and young adult clinical nurse to help create a smoother transition for young patients into adult care.

Parental Support & Youth Advisory

To support young adults and provide a circle-of-care for mental health patients. $218,000.

Sara Stedy Device

Wishlist has helped more stroke patients get off their feet at a speedier time thanks to funding a $2500 device.

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Wishlist Wellness Garden

A therapeutic outdoor space for patients needing rehabilitation at Gympie Hospital to the tune of $200,000.

Specialised Spinal Bed

A Specialised Spinal Bed for the Intensive Care Unit to help safely turn patients who have unstable spines.

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Smileyscope

An additional Smileyscope for the anaesthetic department to distract patients receiving treatment.

Renal Pharmacist Outpatient Clinic

Established an outpatient pharmacy service for patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and those receiving a kidney transplant.

Point of Care Ultrasound Machines

3 Point of Care Ultrasound machines for SCUH, Nambour & Gympie Emergency Departments to allow bedside ultrasounds.

Bariatric Equipment

Bariatric equipment including a specialised shower chair and wheelchair for Gympie Hospital.

YAG Laser

Ophthalmology clinicians can administer immediate treatment onsite to reduce the risk of permanent eye damage.

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Wheelchair Scale for Children

Wheelchair scales for children with disabilities to enhance inclusion at the Gympie Hospital Outpatient Unit.

Speech Pathology Resources

Resources for the Gympie Child Health Speech Pathology Service. Funded by 92.7 MIX FM’s Give Me 5 appeal.

Pregnancy Loss Pilot Program

A $10,000 pilot program to improve the surgical care of women with early pregnancy loss. Funded by 92.7 MIX FM’s Give Me 5 appeal.

Paediatric Assessment Tools

Assessment tools for the Paediatric Allied Health Team to deliver high quality care. Funded by 92.7 MIX FM’s Give Me 5 appeal.

Calming Wall Art for Medical Imaging

Calming Wall Art for Medical Imaging to distract and entertain young patients. Funded by 92.7 MIX FM’s Give Me 5 appeal.

Smileyscopes

5 virtual reality goggles have been funded by 92.7 MIX FM's Give Me 5 appeal to distract patients receiving painful tests or procedure.

Resuscitation System

A Giraffe Star Neonatal Resuscitation System which will be part of the life-saving equipment in our emergency department.

Portable Ultrasounds

Two portable ultrasounds for mums using the Maternity Outreach Service.

Blood Analyser

A Radiometer Arterial Blood Gas Analyser Flex 90 Plus will improve the accuracy of blood analysis for at-risk newborns.

Blood Pressure Monitors

20 blood pressure monitors will be loaned to heart patients for a 3 month period to closely monitor their blood pressure.

Buzzy Bee Devices

Buzzy bee distraction devices are being used in the Ambulatory Care Unit at SCUH to distract patients undergoing procedures.

Acute Pain Leaflets

Acute Pain leaflets are circulating Emergency & Surgical Departments to provide patients with a clear pain management plan.

Ophthalmology Equipment

6 vital pieces of Ophthalmology Equipment for the Caloundra Ophthalmology Unit.

Breech Baby Workshop

A Breech Baby workshop to upskill staff to deliver breech babies safely.

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AccuVein

AccuVein equipment to aid in easy cannulation of babies and children, as well as cancer patients at the Adem Crosby Center.

Transonic Machine

Transonic Machine to help detect abnormal blood flow which can reduce stress and trauma to dialysis patients.

Parents Retreat

The Parents Retreat makes life a little easier for parents of pre-term babies.

Rhino-Laryngoscope

With video monitoring, assists cancer patients undergoing radiation at the Adem Crosby Centre.