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This small device is having a big impact on helping improve rural health outcomes across the Darling Downs.
With the help of Pathology Queensland, the Point of Care C Reactive Protein (CRP) machine has arrived at Jandowae Multipurpose Health Service, Tara Hospital, Oakey Hospital, Miles Hospital and Taroom Hospital.
Jandowae Multipurpose Health Service Medical Superintendent, Dr Tanvir Kapoor said the machine is a less invasive way of collecting blood samples to test for serious illnesses and reduces waiting time and need for travel.
“We take for granted that doctors know a patient has a very serious infection based purely on symptoms, often blood tests need to be done to help guide us in decision making to determine the best course of treatment,” he said.
“Normally, those blood tests would have to be sent to Dalby or Toowoomba.
“This device lets us test for things like sepsis and serious infection at the bedside and gives us a result within a few minutes.
“Another advantage of this machine is it’s less invasive than a normal blood test, a drop of blood is all that’s required to help us quickly determine the best course of treatment.”
Dr Kapoor said the CRP machine helps to reduce any delay to care that may come with having to send blood samples away for testing.
“It’s allowing us to provide care closer to home and is a step towards rural health equity, ensuring all patients receive the care they deserve,” he said.
Executive Director Rural Health and Aged Care, Dr Chris Cowling said it’s been excellent to see clinicians working in partnership with Pathology Queensland to roll out CRP machines in five rural facilities across the Darling Downs.
“This is a testament to Dr Kapoor and the team at Jandowae Multipurpose Health Service who first identified the need for access to a CRP machine in our rural facilities.
Executive Director Rural Health and Aged Care, Dr Chris Cowling
“Instant results can help our healthcare professionals make quick and informed decisions on whether to give someone oral antibiotics, intravenous antibiotics or whether they need to be transported to a larger hospital.
“We know how beneficial accessing this machine will be for improving rural patient outcomes,” Dr Cowling said.