MDQ secures $100,000 Grant to Address Respiratory Health Crisis

24 October 2024

Muscular Dystrophy Queensland (MDQ) is thrilled to announce we have secured a $100,000 grant from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF).  

GCBF’s funding, combined with generous philanthropic support, including donations made to our recent winter appeal, will ensure life-saving respiratory support can continue for people with compromised respiratory function.  

MDQ’s CEO Penny Deavin shared that GCBF’s grant comes at a critical time, following Philips Respironics’ early 2023 decision to cease manufacturing the cough assist machine due to an unresolved electrical fault, saying “The withdrawal of this essential device has been described as a ‘health crisis’ for many but with this funding, MDQ can continue its vital short-term loan program, which has saved lives by providing respiratory support to those in urgent need”. 

For years, MDQ has offered the cough assist device to help community members combat respiratory infections. In recent months, it has become increasingly difficult to secure necessary consumables to continue loaning the Philips devices putting the entire loan program, and this crucial support for our community, in jeopardy. 

Lifesaving Impact 

In the past six months, MDQ received 17 inquiries for the loan program, leading to 10 loans. The duration of these loans varied from 11 to 490 days, averaging 164 days. 

• 1 loan was provided to a client in hospital, 

• 7 loans enabled people to be discharged from the hospital and continue their recovery at home, 

• 1 machine was lent to St. Vincent’s Hospital for staff training over 9 days. 

The program has been repeatedly praised for its ability to provide quick, life-saving access to respiratory devices. With this new equipment, MDQ will be able to continue supporting its community, offering an immediate and effective solution to the gap left by the discontinuation of the Philips devices. 

The team is delighted to take delivery 8 new Nippy Clearway cough assist machines, just in time to respond to a request for a loan this week.  

MDQ is incredibly grateful for the GCBF’s generous support, along with our kind donors and philanthropic partners that ensures this important service for our vulnerable community members living with neuromuscular conditions can continue.  

Find out more about MDQ’s loan equipment program at mdqld.org.au