Lewis Bellerby and his mum Liz know plenty about what it’s like to have an echocardiogram, a test that uses sound waves to create a picture of the heart and its valves. Lewis has had a few since an x-ray last year revealed his heart was larger than expected, suggesting it was working too hard.
Some scans can take 40 minutes or more, which is a long time for a little person to stay still in a dark room. But thanks to a generous gift from the Port Chalmers and Districts Lions Club, it will be a bit easier in the future.
The Club has donated a portable projector to the Cardiology Laboratory for patients to watch during the scanning process. The department is thrilled with the gift, which Specialist Cardiac Sonographer Rachel Reddy says will make a huge difference for children undergoing scans.
“We do our best to make younger patients feel comfortable and safe, but it can be a somewhat scary or difficult process for tamariki and their whānau. Having something to occupy their attention will really help, and it’s better for us too if the children are calm and able to stay still.”
A particular bonus is that the projector is so small and light it can easily be taken to any room where a child is being treated. “In a larger facility you might have a dedicated room to treat paediatric patients, but that’s not realistic in a hospital of this size,” Registered Nurse Erin Marr explains. “The projector is great because we can take it wherever it’s needed.”
Lions Club Treasurer Liz McLennan and Club Administrator Juay Lim were there to see the first use of the projector this week when Lewis came in for a scan following surgery earlier this year to repair a hole in his heart. The idea to fundraise for a projector came about when Liz was in hospital and heard the staff talking about the challenges for children undergoing scans.
Watching the images on the ceiling was clearly entertaining for Lewis, who is usually as active as any other healthy three-year-old. Mum Liz says they were lucky – first that the hole in his heart was discovered and then that he was able to get his treatment quickly.
“We had to go up to Starship Hospital for Lewis to have his surgery, but we’ve spent lots of time in Dunedin for outpatient appointments and scans. It’s not easy for any family who has to spend a lot of time in hospital with a little one, so being able to put on a familiar video or show for them will really help.”
Rachel and Erin were delighted to accept the projector on behalf of the Cardiology Department and know it will be a great help to other younger patients in the future.
Image: Cardiac Sonographer Fiona Roberts and Liz Bellerby look at the scan while Lewis is enjoying the projections on the ceiling.
