The Trust has launched an initiative to publically raise funds for the purchase of an Endoscopy Ultra Sound (EUS) system along with the ancillary equipment and staff training to enable the system to be used to its capacity. The extra equipment and training of staff will enable the Gastroenterology Department to more than double the treatment of patients. South Island patients will no longer have to travel to Auckland at considerable extra costs to family and patients, endure waiting lists/stress or resort to inferior other local tests.

EUS is one of the most effective tools available for determining the stage of cancers. If this equipment was available in Christchurch , then local patients would have rapid access to cancer staging leading to appropriate and timely care for a wide range of diseases affecting the oesophagus, stomach, lungs, pancreas, bile ducts, gall bladder, liver and bowel.