Strap On Some Glitter For Intensive Care

Strap On Some Glitter For Intensive Care

Glittery hospital wristbands will brighten up the nation's Intensive Care Units over the next few weeks, and raise thousands of dollars for medical research in the process.

Conventional wristbands have been given a glitzy makeover in five vibrant colours and are being sold in support of the annual Intensive Care Appeal which runs from 10 - 23 May.

The $2 wristbands will be sold through the 31 Intensive Care Units across the country and at Unichem and Dispensary First Pharmacies during the two-week Appeal. Donations can also be made by calling 0900 707 707 or online http://www.intensivecareappeal.com/

Intensive Care has the potential to touch the lives of all New Zealanders, with 20,000 patients admitted to an ICU each year. Every day, hundreds of New Zealanders' lives rely on the help of Intensive Care teams.

"The reality is, Intensive Care can touch any of us, at any time. Most people would have had a family member, friend or workmate whose life has been saved through the dedication and specialised skills of an Intensive Care team," says Dr Nigel Rankin, an Intensive Care specialist and a trustee of the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Foundation.

The Foundation runs the annual Appeal to raise funds for research in four key areas of Intensive Care - brain injury, lung injury, infection and prevention.

"Those admitted to Intensive Care are usually faced with acute and immediately life-threatening problems requiring closely monitored care and treatment," says Dr Rankin.

"Typical conditions for Intensive Care include road or fall trauma involving brain, spinal or internal injuries, major infections in vital organs such as pneumonia, severe breathing difficulties and cardiovascular conditions. We stabilise patients and get them through the most critical time," he says.

If Intensive Care survival could be increased by as little as two percent, an extra 3000 lives could be saved in New Zealand and Australia each year - equivalent to the combined road toll of both countries.

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