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Anchor:

A Melbourne doctor has reinvented an age old piece of medical equipment to help patients breathe a little easier.  He spent eight years perfecting an oxygen mask which is set to save lives.

Reporter (Jackie Quist):

It’s a new take on a very old device.

Dr. Matthew Matusik:

Ironically it’s one of the most simple, oldest and commonly used oxygen delivery systems that runs the highest rate of mistakes.

Reporter (Jackie Quist):

This dedicated doctor is determined to improve and save the lives of patients around the world with his reinvented oxygen mask.  It features an orange indicator which allows healthcare workers to see that oxygen is actually flowing.  Traditionally it’s been hard to tell.

Dr. Matthew Matusik:

We might lift the mask off to listen for the the hissing.  That that puts us in that danger zone of potentially infecting ourselves with, you know, viral plume.

Reporter (Jackie Quist):

The global pandemic has reinforced the importance of oxygen therapy which is used routinely on most patients after surgery but delivery often fails because of empty tanks, half turned switches and disconnected tubing.  A recent survey of 511 patients found 37 didn’t have oxygen delivered properly. Something the new mask should correct.

Prof. David Scott
(St. Vincent’s Hospital):

It really does give us an edge on making sure we’ve got another layer of safety for patient care.

Reporter (Jackie Quist):

The TGA approved invention has been trialled and rolled out here at St. Vincent’s Hospital with Dr. Matusik donating the first 2000 masks manufactured here in Melbourne.

Dr. Matthew Matusik:

 I just thought that that the first worldwide launch of this new technology should be at the hospital that that trained me.

Reporter (Jackie Quist):

A simple idea that will save lives.  Jackie Quist, Seven News.