THE ACUTE ward at Swan Hill District Health (SHDH) has received a donation from the Country Woman’s Association (CWA) for a machine that will assist patients to monitor their blood levels when taking Warfarin.
SHDH nurse Katherine Schultz said the International Normalised Ratio Machine (INR) was a terrific asset for patients as it meant they could be discharged earlier rather than have to wait for blood tests to return.
“The machine is very simple and non evasive. It works much like a diabetes testing machine. There is a slight pin prick and the blood is tested and the results are practically immediate.,” she said.
The INR machine is valued at $1,200 and assist doctors to monitor and alter does of Warfarin based up the INR reading.
Although the hospital owns several other IRN machines in other departments, this is the first time the Acute Ward has had one.
“We are appreciative of the CWA donation of this machine, they have been wonderful contributors to the hospital and community.”
