An innovative new ultrasound training simulator is giving doctors at North Shore and Waitākere Hospitals the opportunity to develop vital clinical skills, helping women receive faster diagnoses and better care when they need it most.
Thanks to the generosity of the Lindsay Foundation, North Shore Rotary Club and the Elaine Gurr Endowment Trust, Well Foundation has funded a $150,000 Ultrasound Mentor for the Women's Health service.
The state of the art simulator provides a highly realistic training environment where doctors can practise and refine their ultrasound skills safely, building their confidence and capability before applying those skills in patient care.
And the response from the clinical team has been overwhelmingly positive.
When clinicians were introduced to the new equipment, there was genuine excitement about its capabilities and the difference it could make to the way doctors are trained.
Dr Adele Haddad, Gynaecological Surgeon, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist specialising in diagnostic ultrasound, described it as the best ultrasound simulator she has seen.
For a team that has faced challenges accessing specialist ultrasound training, having this technology available within their own service is a significant step forward.
Dr Haddad demonstrating the ultrasound mentor.
Better training, faster answers and improved care
Ultrasound is an essential tool in women's healthcare, particularly during pregnancy and when diagnosing potentially serious complications such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or unexplained abdominal pain.
However, access to ultrasound services can be limited by demand, staffing pressures and appointment availability. This can mean women face delays while waiting for scans, even when timely assessment is important.
The new Ultrasound Mentor will help address these challenges by enabling more doctors to develop the skills needed to perform point of care ultrasound scans.
With more clinicians trained and confident in using ultrasound, women may be able to receive scans directly from the doctors caring for them, without always needing to wait for a formal radiology appointment.
This has the potential to support earlier detection of complications, faster clinical decisions and more timely treatment.
It may also reduce unnecessary time spent in hospital while waiting for imaging, improving the patient experience while freeing up valuable hospital beds and resources.
Ultimately, better access to ultrasound expertise can save time, make more efficient use of hospital resources and, when rapid diagnosis is critical, help save lives.
Dr Haddad demonstrating to Well Foundation donors
A lasting investment in women's health
The Ultrasound Mentor will support both experienced clinicians looking to maintain and advance their skills and junior doctors learning ultrasound techniques for the first time.
Unlike traditional training opportunities, which can be limited by access to specialist staff and equipment, the simulator allows doctors to practise realistic clinical scenarios repeatedly in a safe environment.
With an expected lifespan of 10 to 20 years, the equipment will continue to support the training of future generations of doctors, with benefits extending well beyond the clinicians who use it.
The service supports a regional population of approximately 150,000 women of childbearing age, including an estimated 11,000 to 15,000 expectant mothers each year who stand to benefit from improved ultrasound capability.
Made possible by our generous community
The purchase of this equipment was made possible through the generosity of the Lindsay Foundation, North Shore Rotary Club and the Elaine Gurr Endowment Trust, whose combined support has enabled Well Foundation to bring this important technology to our local hospitals.
Representatives from the Lindsay Foundation and North Shore Rotary recently joined Well Foundation and the Women's Health team for a special morning tea and demonstration of the new simulator.
It was an opportunity for donors to meet the clinicians who will use the equipment and see firsthand the difference their support will make.
The enthusiasm of the clinical team was a wonderful reflection of just how valuable this new resource will be.
Well Foundation extends its sincere thanks to all three funding partners for their commitment to improving healthcare for women and families across our community.
Through their generosity, our clinicians now have access to exceptional training technology that will help them deliver better, faster and safer care for many years to come.