Bringing health care home

AINSLEY O’Bryan has experience navigating the challenges of accessing essential medical imaging while balancing parenting and being a business owner in Swan Hill.

When debilitating hip and back pain struck, Ainsley embarked on a journey that involved multiple trips to Ballarat for MRIs, a surgical procedure in Melbourne and multiple ongoing follow-up MRIs.

“The uncertainty was immense,” she said.

“The initial confusion in diagnosis, the extended travel and the constant worry took a significant toll.”

The long distances impacted many areas of Ainsley’s life.

“The strain on my family was immense,” she said.

“Juggling two businesses, family and medical appointments was incredibly challenging.”

Ainsley acknowledged the support of her community, her dedicated staff and her children’s school, which helped alleviate some of the burden.

“We are incredibly proud of our community’s response to the Mallee MRI Appeal,” Ainsley said.

BIG4 Riverside showed its support for the appeal, recently donating $3000 towards the cause.

Ainsley emphasised that access to a local MRI would have made a significant difference.

“It could have given me an earlier diagnosis,” she said.

“Reduced travel would have saved time, money, and significantly reduced stress.

“It will be a game changer for Swan Hill.”

Ainsley’s story highlights the critical need for increased access to health-care services in regional areas.

The potential benefits of a local MRI extend beyond individual patients, impacting families, carers, businesses and the overall wellbeing of the community.

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Support the Mallee MRI Appeal with your cans

SWAN Hill District Health is now a registered donation partner for the Victorian container deposit scheme.

This means everyone can support the Mallee MRI Appeal simply by choosing to donate used bottles and cans at local collection points.

When returning containers, simply select ‘Donate’ at the refund point and enter SHDH’s ZoneID (C2000043791).

Alternatively, you can use the barcode below to quickly direct your refund to the appeal.

Every dollar counts for this appeal, and this is a simple way to make a real difference to our community’s health care even when times are so tough.

Plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity to teach children about the importance of giving back and making a positive impact on their community.

SHDH are asking our community to consider collecting to support the Mallee MRI Appeal.