Millionaire pharmaceutical businessman Sir Graeme Douglas has
donated $3 million to Starship Children's Hospital to launch
a new radiology MRI service.
Sir Graeme, a former Te Atatu pharmacist who established
Douglas Pharmaceuticals in 1967, was knighted in the June
Queen's Birthday Honours list for services to athletics and
philanthropy.
He and his wife, Lady Ngaire, were yesterday announced as the
donors of the largest ever personal donation to the hospital.
The $3 million would go towards launching a radiology MRI
service to avoid "the delays and discomfort currently
experienced by young patients", Sir Graeme said.
Previously, children needing an MRI scan had to be
transported under sedation into the adult facility, which was
often a frightening experience, particularly for young
patients.
Having an MRI machine at Starship would mean children would
be treated in the hospital's familiar and child-friendly
environment.
About 2,000 children would benefit from the machine each
year.
Starship Foundation chief executive Andrew Young said the
donation's size was unprecedented for the charity, which was
"grateful and overwhelmed" by the couple's generosity.
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