A new Ultrasound machine purchased through funds raised for the Mercy Hospital Foundation will enable doctors and nurses in Cork’s Mercy University Hospital ICU to carry out life-saving procedures even faster; ensure patients can receive essential medication in a comfortable environment; and aid patient recovery.

Over €37,000 was raised following an appeal made in the Foundation’s newsletter earlier this year by Eileen Murphy, whose husband Pat sadly passed away in May 2016, having spent three weeks in ICU at The Mercy. The Intensive Care team at the Mercy cares for the most critically-ill patients using life-supporting and life-saving equipment, and Eileen’s appeal encouraged people to support the ICU, highlighting the necessity of an Ultrasound machine.

The care given to John Hoare, who was treated successfully for Oesophageal Cancer in The Mercy’s ICU, inspired him, his family, friends and his local cycling club, the Valley Wheelers, to organise a charity cycle to raise funds. His sister-in-law Karen Hoare was the driving force behind this along with John’s wife and  son Declan, and on June 10th a group of cyclists took to the roads of north-west Cork for the 150km one day charity cycle, which started and ended in Cill na Martra, raising €11,247 for the ICU.

Until now there was only one Ultrasound machine, shared between five surgical theatres, at the Mercy. Funds raised through this cycle went towards purchasing the new Ultrasound machine which will allow faster delivery of treatment and further enhance patient safety and comfort at the Mercy.

Karen and Declan Hoare recently visited the ICU to see the new machine together with Eileen Murphy. Thanking Karen and Valley Wheelers for their support, and Eileen for sharing her story, Micheál Sheridan, CEO of the Mercy Hospital Foundation said “Our mission is to inspire people to support advancements in research, diagnosis, treatments and care of patients at The Mercy University Hospital, the People’s Hospital. We promise to do our very best to provide you with a world class hospital, right on your doorstep, and this is only possible through the help of our supporters like those who chose to join and support the Valley Wheelers cycle last June, as well as all those who donated to our newsletter appeal after reading Eileen’s personal story which we’re so grateful to her for sharing.”

For more information on the Mercy Hospital Foundation and how funds raised help, call (021) 4274076 or visit www.mercyfundraising.ie.