An echocardiogram or heart scanner is now possible for Taupo Hospital thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Taupo Hospital and Health Society.

It was just under 18 months ago the Taupo Hospital and Health Society announced it would fundraise for an echocardiogram machine, or ultrasound heart scanner, for Taupo Hospital.

Originally the society set itself a fundraising target of $350,000 to purchase the heart scanner, however since then the DHB has been able to source a suitable machine for a lower price and it's now all go. It is hoped to have the heart scanner at Taupo Hospital before Christmas.

The society kicked off the fundraising campaign in September 2018 and in line with its reputation as a fundraiser extraordinaire, has reached its new target of $280,000.

The cheque was handed over to Chief Operating Officer Alan Wilson at yesterday's committee meeting held at Taupo Hospital.

THHS President Lil Hancock says currently patients from Taupo/Turangi needing an echocardiogram have to travel to Rotorua Hospital for the examination.

Currently, there are about 556 echocardiograms a year for southern Lakes people which can now be done at the Taupo Hospital, with the number of patients needing an echocardiogram having increased by 35 per cent in the past five years.

Lil Hancock says it's been a huge effort over the past 14 months with tremendous buy in from society membership, members of the public, businesses and a host of organisations and trusts.

The Taupo Hospital and Health Society was set up 27 years ago when its members wanted a way to assist with the continuation and development of health care services for all people within the Taupo/Turangi area.

The society has a long history of contribution to the Taupo Hospital. It donated a total of $850,000 towards the redevelopment of Taupo Hospital and also contributed a significant amount towards the Turangi Community Health Centre, which opened in October 2008.

During the 27 years of its existence, the Society has also fundraised for and purchased a host of medical equipment and patient comfort items.

Lakes DHB's Chief Operating Officer Alan Wilson says he's quite amazed at the latest efforts of the society and its history of previous fundraising, and says it's wonderful to have such an active and committed group in the southern district of the DHB.