Anara Carroll, 7, of Kings Meadows, tries the LGH's new transcutaneous monitor with paediatrician Dr David Strong and Deputy Commissioner Scott Tilyard. Picture: PETER SANDERS
TASMANIA Police Charity Trust has dug deep, donating nearly $10,000 to the Launceston General Hospital for vital paediatric sleep monitoring equipment.
The hospital runs the state's only paediatric sleep diagnosis service, which the new monitor will help improve.
Consultant paediatrician Dr David Strong said diagnosing sleep disorders in children was important in identifying diseases that might develop in adulthood.
``The new equipment assists by monitoring nocturnal respiratory conditions without disturbing the young patient,'' he said.
``It's been an unmet need until now.''
Dr Strong thanked the trust's deputy chairman, Deputy Police Commissioner Scott Tilyard.
``It's a very significant thing for us and the children we treat,'' he said.
The trust donated $5000 towards the purchase of the monitor late last year and yesterday Deputy Commissioner Tilyard presented a $4800 cheque for the equipment to be bought outright.
``One of the trust's missions is to make a difference in peoples lives. Providing equipment that can assist children and parents to get a better nights sleep will certainly make a difference,'' he said.
The trust has donated more than $300,000 since it was established in 2006.
The trust is funded by police officer and departmental staff contributions, donations and fundraising events.