Latest news with #KarlMetzler
Otago Daily Times
30-04-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Health centre given masonic support
New toiletry kits and two new pulse oximeters were donated to Gore Health by the Southern Masonic Trust this past week (from left) Masonic Charitable Trust secretary treasurer Christine Baird, Gore Health chief executive Karl Metzler, Masonic Charitable Trust chairman Neil O'Rorke, past Southland District grandmaster Russell Falconer. PHOTO: GERRIT DOPPENBERG Forget the smoke and mirrors, the secret is out, the Freemasons in Southland are a charitable bunch. The Southland Masonic Charitable Trust has once again reached into its coffers, this time helping out Gore Health by donating over $4000 to the health centre. This money was used to purchase two new pulse oximeters, used to measure oxygen saturation levels in a patient's blood, as well as their heart rate. Gore Health chief executive Karl Metzler said the equipment will serve a valuable purpose both in the health centre and on the go. "We use these in transport so it's critical we have these on the road, for monitoring. "We need one [here at the health centre], and one to go with St John and the patient." Mr Metzler said the Masonic Trust had always been very charitable, helping out the health centre for the past 15 years. The organisation also donates emergency toiletry kits, for when people are admitted and may not be able to head home to grab a toothbrush and a comb. The Southland Masonic Trust Chairman Neil O'Rorke said he was always happy to help out Gore Health. Mr O'Rorke said the organisation was less smoke and mirrors these days and more of a charitable group in New Zealand. "We're trying to get Freemasonry out there more, it's not a secret society ... "Freemasons New Zealand gives away millions of dollars every year, with $20,000 to $30,000 just here in Southland," he said.
Otago Daily Times
22-04-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Bladder screening tech given by Lions
Displaying the new bladder screening tool, donated by Gore Pakeke Lions, are (from left) Pakeke Lions member Murray Ross, secretary Brian Pitcher, Gore Health chief executive Karl Metzler and Gore Pakeke Lions president Ross Dickie. PHOTO: GERRIT DOPPENBERG. A new bladder screening tool at Gore Hospital will allow flexibility for both healthcare professionals and patients, and was funded entirely by the Gore Pakeke Lions. The Meike portable bladder scanner gives the medical practitioner live images and real time measurements of the patient's bladder, giving a non-invasive peek into the goings-on. The portability will allow district nurses to perform home visits, often saving people in a vulnerable time considerable time and effort. The machine, which cost around $7000, was funded entirely through the Gore Pakeke Lions after their member Murray Low brought it up at their meeting. To put it into perspective, to cover the cost the Pakeke Lions would have had to recycle around three tonnes of aluminum cans. Mr Low said he found out about the need for a machine after a check-up with a district nurse, and felt he could help the Gore Community by getting the funding. "I was having ongoing treatment and I heard they were borrowing from other hospitals and I said we've got money, that's what it's for and it's what we do. "Now patients won't have to travel far to get their bladders screened, or even at all as the device means those in need can get their check-up at their own home." Gore Health chief executive Karl Metzler said he was extremely grateful for the support of the Pakeke Lions, which has been equally continuous and generous. "A really heartfelt thanks to the Pakeke Lions for their support. "It also needs to be said, this isn't a one-off. "The Lions have supported this hospital and healthcare facility from day one and we shouldn't underestimate the tens of thousand they have so generously donated for often life-preserving equipment," he said.
