Sisters breathing easier
Ruby and Isobel Donaldson can breathe a little easier thanks to new respiratory equipment at Princess Margaret Hospital that is helping doctors to keep their lungs healthy.
The sisters have cystic fibrosis and need regular check-ups using bronchoscopes to examine their lungs and airways and nip any problems in the bud.
The PMH Foundation recently donated five paediatric bronchoscope systems costing $250,000 to the hospital's respiratory medicine department. They replaced ageing equipment and helped the department meet increasing demand.
The donation was funded by a bequest from a private estate.
PMH respiratory consultant Andrew Wilson said bronchoscopes allowed doctors to diagnose chronic respiratory conditions and to monitor children born with congenital respiratory diseases.
Christine Donaldson said it was always stressful when her daughters Isobel, 8, and Ruby, 6, had to go to hospital for their check-ups.
"But we know how important it is to keep their lungs as healthy as possible and keep them well for any advances down the track," she said.
"We also know how fortunate we are to have access to the best available equipment."
