New cough machine

Otago District Health Board physiotherapist Catherine George helps Travis Paterson (15), of Mosgiel, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, test a new cough assist machine donated to Dunedin Hospital by the southern region branch of the Muscular Dystrophy Association of New Zealand. Photo by Peter McIntosh.

A cough assist machine donated to Dunedin Hospital will make a "massive difference" for patients with neuromuscular conditions, health care workers say.

The machine, the first one in Otago and Southland, was donated by the southern region branch of the Muscular Dystrophy Association of New Zealand.

Otago District Health Board physiotherapist Catherine George said she had used the machine a lot in Britain and it was a great help for patients.

"It is a really huge thing for us to have this."

Respiratory consultant Dr Ben Brockway said patients with neuromuscular conditions could have a weak cough which made it hard to get rid of mucous if they had a chest infection.

"The machine blows air into the patient's lungs and then sucks it back in again quickly, stimulating a better, stronger cough."

Association treasurer Raewyn Hodgson said the $7500 machine was bought with funds donated by the Bike Riders Association of New Zealand after a rally in Alexandra.

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