2024 Impact

Through the generosity of communities across Queensland, Mater clinicians and researchers can continue to improve outcomes for our tiniest and most vulnerable patients. The 2024 Nine Telethon supporting Mater Little Miracles raised an astonishing $6.86 million! 

From the donations received in 2024 from the community, Mater clinicians and researchers have been able to continue improving outcomes for our tiniest and most vulnerable patients.

Mater researchers are working to improve women’s postnatal and broader gynaecological health and to advance the care and outcomes for sick babies.

Examples of mothers and babies research at Mater supported by the 2024 Nine Telethon includes:

Research to determine the best type of airway support (resuscitation) at birth, and to trial new designs for oxygen masks to better fit tiny babies.

Research into protection against neurological damage, such as cerebral palsy, in premature bubs.

Clinical trials to identify the best method of giving blood transfusions to fragile premature bubs born less than 28 weeks gestation.

Work to develop new maternal blood tests using sensitive DNA techniques to determine the baby’s blood type during pregnancy and assist with pregnancy management.

Studies to follow up the outcomes of extremely premature bubs (born <28 weeks gestation) to determine the rate of neurodevelopmental disability.

To meet Mater’s research aspirations, generous gifts given by the community help to fund explorations for transformational and translational research to deliver better outcomes for mothers and babies.

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In addition to the funding into research, from the 2024 Nine Telethon, Mater has been able to enhance its equipment across Queensland to ensure positive health outcomes for mothers and babies.

Specialised equipment plays a vital role in ensuring that the 1,700+ very ill and premature babies born in Queensland each year have the best possible start to life.

Some of the life-saving pieces of equipment that the 2024 Nine Telethon has provided includes:

Bili Blanket

$8,250 each

Phototherapy blankets that provide treatment for jaundice without babies having to be placed in a humidicrib, ensuring parents maintain the ability of touch.

Panda iRes Warmer

$36,640 each

A special heated table designed to optimise care during the provision of resuscitation and urgent treatment to babies born prematurely.

MR950 Humidifier

$4,400 each

A specifically designed humidifier with a neonatal operating mode for respiratory support for tiny babies.

Thank you, Queensland. The funds raised through the Nine Telethon are absolutely crucial. They allow us to continue our groundbreaking research and to continue advancing care for all of the mothers, babies and families that we look after at Mater, but not only now, but also into the future.