THE need for people in Moree to travel long distances for eye treatment has ended, with the installation of an Optical Coherence Tomography machine at Moree Hospital.
The vital piece of equipment, valued at $80,000, was purchased with money raised by Moree United Hospital Auxiliary volunteers at the hospital kiosk and donations from Young Aggies in Moree and Moree Men’s Shed.
Patients suffering from macular degeneration were travelling to Tamworth and Narrabri for monthly injections from ophthalmologist David Moore and his daughter, Dr Phoebe Moore, who now consult and offer treatment in Moree.
“We’ve been wanting to start the clinic here for some time, to save all the Moree people travelling to Narrabri, and thanks to the hospital auxiliary, we’ve been able to get the machine to do it,” Dr Moore said.
Moree UHA president Ann Madden said the donation was made possible through ongoing fundraising by kiosk volunteers as well as generous donations, including $12,500 from Young Aggies and $2000 from Moree Men’s Shed.
“This new equipment means patients can receive treatment right here in Moree, without the need to travel – a shift that significantly reduces time and cost for patients, many of whom previously travelled to Narrabri, with a driver,” Mrs Madden said.
“The OCT will remain the property of Moree Hospital and, while currently in use by Dr Moore, will be available for use by any visiting ophthalmologist.”
For patients like 78-year-old Terry Duncan, having the OCT and regular medical appointments in Moree is life-changing.
Mr Duncan, a retired sub-terminal operator with Graincorp in Moree, was travelling by train or car to Narrabri once a month to visit Dr Moore for injections.
When first diagnosed more than 10 years ago, he was travelling to Brisbane for treatment.
The trips away also meant taking a driver, because Mr Duncan couldn’t jump behind the wheel after treatment.
“If it wasn’t for Dr Moore, I’d more than likely have a white stick or a guide dog by now,” Mr Duncan said.
“I was going to Brisbane regularly for nearly two years, spending three days there each time. Those trips were very expensive, with motel costs and living expenses.
“When I started going to Narrabri, I used to catch the train down because I couldn’t drive after the treatment.
“That meant spending all day there, waiting for the train to come home.
“Having this machine in Moree and being able to access treatment here is life-changing,” he said.
Dr Moore has practiced in Tamworth for 35 years, and has been travelling to Narrabri regularly since the early 1990s.
Although claiming to be semi-retired, Dr Moore and his daughter have extended their schedule to Moree.
“I’ve been doing these injections for about 18 years,” Dr Moore said.
“In 2007, treatment came out that helps most people hold their sight, and Terry is testament to that.
“It’s 12 or 14 years since we started seeing Terry in Narrabri, and now he can have the treatment in Moree.
“Terry was coming to Narrabri every month to have an injection in his right eye to hold his sight.
“This is game-changing, and Terry is one of many patients being treated – there’s a waiting room full of people having the same treatment,” he said.
“We started doing the clinics in Moree about a month ago, but we’ve been coming here to do surgeries since 2007.
“The injection clinic is life-changing for people like Terry, because up until now it was all about travelling to Narrabri,” Dr Moore said.
The Moree Hospital Auxiliary was established in 1933 by six dedicated women to raise funds for the benefit of patients and staff.
Over the years, they hosted everything from balls and banquets to street stalls, field days, picnic races and card afternoons — all to support the local hospital.
Moree branch is part of the UHA, which has been responding to the needs of hospitals and community health facilities throughout New South Wales for nearly 100 years.
The UHA is a registered charity committed to enhancing health services in local communities.
Local president, Ann Madden, said the Moree auxiliary continues this tradition with just 17 volunteers running the kiosk at Moree Hospital – and more helping hands are urgently needed.
“Volunteering at the UHA kiosk is a small commitment – just one day a month,” Mrs Madden said.
The Moree kiosk is open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 1.30pm.
“Volunteers can choose to be rostered on a regular set day or help out on a casual basis,” Mrs Madden said.
“We would love to hear from people who can spare a few hours to help make a difference in our community.”
Interested?
Please contact Ann Madden on 0427 965114 to find out more.
