Our CEO supports better equipment for BCH

Carter the Brave has funded a wonderful new ultrasound machine, the Butterfly iQ3

The Butterfly iQ3 has transformed the care for many patients receiving intravenous treatments by helping to locate veins for easier cannulation. One such patient is 13-year-old Charlie, who experienced the new ultrasound machine in action. Although Charlie has received plenty of intravenous medications and undergone countless blood tests as part of his ongoing treatment for a brain tumour, both he and his mum, Moira, have come to dread the cannulation process. Thankfully, the brand-new Ultrasound Butterfly iQ3 has transformed treatment for patients like Charlie and their families. Moira said she has gone from dreading visits to knowing there is “nothing to worry about”.

The Paediatric Chemotherapy Advanced Nurse Practitioner Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy Lead, Brian Carey, now regularly uses the new equipment to treat patients like Charlie. He explained that using the new ultrasound machine heightens the chance of finding a vein as, not only is it more accurate, but it can also locate veins unable to be seen with the naked eye. This means that much smaller veins can be used and, as a result, cannulas can stay in for five to six days. This is an incredible improvement from cannulation by hand —which only lasts one to two days— reducing the distress caused by frequent IV insertion. In addition to the vast improvement in patient care, Brian also explained that from a clinical perspective, the Butterfly iQ3 is significantly more efficient. The software allows the ultrasound probe to be plugged directly into an iPad or phone which, unlike larger models, allows it to instantly connect and record to ‘Butterfly’, a medical system used at our hospital. There are also lots of set up options for different cannulation and procedures, and everything is in one place. As Brian Carey aptly put, “If we didn’t have this machine, patients would be sent home [unable to have treatment]. It’s the gold standard.”