July 2002

New centre for cystic fibrosis

A new $2.2 million centre of excellence at the Alfred Hospital will enable people with cystic fibrosis to live longer and enjoy a better quality of life.

Opening the new centre, Health Minister John Thwaites said the diagnosis and treatment of cystic fibrosis had improved dramatically over the last 20 years with the life expectancy of sufferers more than doubling.

‘Some 600 Victorians have cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that most severely affects the respiratory and digestive system, requiring high levels of hospital and community-based care,’ he said.

‘Until recently, children with cystic fibrosis would probably not survive to adulthood.

‘Today, about 50 per cent of sufferers reach their 30s while children born with the disease this decade can expect to live to their 40s.

‘These dramatic improvements have been achieved through better treatment including more effective antibiotics, improved nutrition, physiotherapy, home care and lung transplants.

‘In this new centre, Melbourne now has a cystic fibrosis treatment facility that boasts the highest standards of patient care and comfort of any hospital in Australia.’

Mr Thwaites said the new centre would bring together all the cystic fibrosis carers and experts in the one place and improve services for patients.

‘The new 33-bed centre provides both inpatient and ambulatory care for people with respiratory disorders, including cystic fibrosis, before and after lung transplantation.

‘The centre will also improve the prevention of cross infections which are one of the most significant problems for patients with cystic fibrosis.

‘By concentrating the expertise of doctors, nurses and allied health workers in the centre of excellence, people with cystic fibrosis have access to a range of services they need to enjoy a better quality of life.’