Latrobe Regional Hospital’s cardiology team are able to provide a higher level of care thanks to generous donations from the Keith Chenhall Charitable Trust (KCCT).

The hospital has purchased a CPR chest compression device to support surgical patients who may experience a cardiac arrest while undergoing a procedure in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory. The machine will deliver chest compressions to support the patient for as long as necessary.
LRH has also bought an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) to help a patient’s heart pump blood around their body if they go into cardiogenic shock. This is a life-threatening condition in which the heart suddenly can’t pump enough blood to vital organs.

The KCCT contributed $47,000 towards the cost of the two items with LRH funding the balance.

“We are extremely grateful the KCCT agreed to partner with us to purchase both items. It has meant the acquisition of two really expensive pieces of equipment which have the potential to save lives,” LRH Chief Executive Don McRae said.

“Gippsland has one of the highest rates of heart disease in a local region. LRH has been increasing its capability as a regional cardiology service so people don’t have to travel to metropolitan hospitals for treatment. We’re delighted the KCCT shares and supports our vision.”

The late Keith Chenhall OAM was a respected Traralgon businessman who dedicated his life to community service and supporting charitable causes without fanfare or recognition. The Trust in his name was established in 2002 with hundreds of thousands of dollars directed to not-for-profit organisations in the Latrobe Valley.

The KCCT has previously funded specialised items for cardiology at LRH including the latest cardiac stress test equipment and a defibrillator and emergency cart for our cardiac catheterisation laboratory.