It's the kind of equipment only found in the big, metropolitan hospitals, but soon Griffith Base (GBH) will boast having its own transperineal biopsy machine (TBM).
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The Male Bag Foundation is responsible for this game changing move, set to better men’s health in the Griffith, Leeton, Hillston and Lake Cargelligo communities - the rate of which is experienced three times more than in the cities.
Riding their postie bikes through Griffith in October last year, Male Bag Foundation chairman Robert Glover said he would absolutely love to see the money go to a regional area affected by drought - for which Griffith 100 per cent fit the bill.
His quiet hope was realised, with the amazing $60,000 grant being delivered right to the heart of the food bowl. This donation also happens to be the largest donation the foundation has made to date, and the first of its kind made in NSW.
Griffith's Prostate Cancer Support Group's coordinator Barry Maples was completely blown away by the announcement.
"When I read about the $60,000 grant going to Griffith it took the stuffing out of me," Mr Maples exclaimed.
"This is going to make such a huge difference to prostate cancer diagnosis in our region."
The TBM procedure supersedes existing surgery, has a much lower risk of infection with a much quicker recovery time, and will avert the need and costs associated with patients having to travel to a major city for treatment.
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“The Foundation is delighted to respond to Griffith’s request...we know equipping GBH will be a life saver for men in the bush," Mr Glover said.
“The grant acknowledges the great support we received and ‘call for action’ from the Griffith Prostate Support Group, and community service clubs in Mulwala, Finley and Griffith.”
GBH’s Acting general manager Marianne Warren said the hospital will be moving quickly to acquire and commission the TBM with procedures starting mid-year.
“The Foundation’s grant adds to funds already raised by the local community over several years, so it’s very rewarding to see this good delivering an incredibly important health outcome for the Griffith and surrounding communities.”
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