QSuper supports cardiac health in Far North Queensland

The QSuper Cardiac Challenge will see 150 enthusiastic Queenslanders rally together to cycle the 333 kilometres from Cairns to Cooktown, raising money and awareness for cardiac health in the region.

The annual challenge, which is spread over three days from 19-21 September, draws many to Cairns to raise important funds for cardiac care.

QSuper’s support enables all donations to go directly into funding cardiac health equipment for the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service across the Far North region.

Major improvements in cardiac health

Cairns Hospital Director of Cardiology, and QSuper member, Dr Greg Starmer (pictured with QSuper Regional Manager Julie Bates) said cardiac care in Far North Queensland had vastly improved over the past decade.

“Since I first arrived as a clinician in Far North Queensland in 2012, we have vastly improved our capabilities in cardiac health; and now, there are state-of-the-art cardiology facilities available to support the region,” Dr Starmer said.

“The QSuper sponsorship is a critical component. It enables us to carry through with the promise that every single dollar that’s raised goes directly to cardiac care.”

Funds raised from past Cardiac Challenge events have enabled the purchase of state-of-the-art echo machines to take images of the heart, a portable echo for outreach in Cairns and the Torres Strait islands, a cardiac monitoring system, balloon pumps, and a second cardiac catheter laboratory.

This year, the aim is for donations to fund a dedicated anaesthetic machine for the new cardiac catheter laboratory, which is used for procedures such as closing holes in the heart as well as complex electrical cardiac procedures, and an echo machine for general medical outreach.

QSuper proud to play a part

QSuper Chief Executive Officer Michael Pennisi said QSuper was committed to investing in initiatives that create long-term benefits for Queenslanders.

“QSuper looks after the retirement savings of more than 8,800 Department of Health employees in the state’s Far North and we are proud to support an initiative that helps our members working in cardiac health provide state-of-the-art care for their patients.

“By supporting the challenge, we’re supporting the improvement of cardiac health and the wellbeing of residents in Far North Queensland.”

The QSuper Cardiac Challenge will run from 19‑21 September.

To find out more about the challenge and how to register visit cardiacchallenge.com.au