Australia unveils first-ever cystic fibrosis hospital ward

Pharma News: Adults living with cystic fibrosis in Australia are about to experience a new level of specialised treatment. The grand opening of Australia’s very first Cystic Fibrosis Specialist Service ward at Westmead Hospital, located in the heart of western Sydney, marks an incredible achievement in healthcare innovation. This cutting-edge facility, funded by the Commonwealth Government with an investment of $65 million, promises to improve the lives of those affected by this condition.

Cystic fibrosis is a challenging condition impacting around 3,600 Australians, and this state-of-the-art facility has been meticulously designed to cater to their unique needs. The facility’s opening has been met with enthusiasm from both medical professionals and patient advocates alike, who view it as a beacon of hope for a future where specialised healthcare is a priority for all.

Cystic Fibrosis Australia, currently in the running for the prestigious Small Charity of the Year awards, spoke excitedly about the significance of the new ward. “This dedicated Cystic Fibrosis Specialist Service ward is not only a testament to progress, but it’s also a powerful testament to the importance of prioritising specialised healthcare for everyone,” the organisation said.

The roots of this initiative are deeply personal. The unit was developed with crucial input from the family of the late Dr Malay Rana, a senior pathology registrar who tragically lost his life to complications from cystic fibrosis. Dr Rana was a staunch advocate for individuals living with the condition, working tirelessly to raise awareness within the community and championing improved cystic fibrosis specialty services. His legacy lives on through this facility, which aims to fulfil the vision he tirelessly pursued.

Inside the newly minted unit, patients will find a haven of care and comfort. With 16 inpatient beds complete with ensuite facilities and isolation rooms, the facility is well-equipped to provide specialised treatment. Co-located with these amenities are respiratory medicine inpatient beds, offering a comprehensive approach to patient care.

Creating this cutting-edge facility was no small feat. The project team worked diligently within the live hospital environment, seamlessly transforming the fifth level of Westmead Hospital to house the new unit. This required relocating, fitting, and refurbishing other specialties across different levels with utmost precision to minimise disruptions to neighbouring wards.

A collaborative endeavour between Health Infrastructure and Western Sydney Local Health District, this project is a testament to the power of teamwork and innovation. The Westmead Health Precinct, a sprawling hub for health, education, research, and innovation, has garnered more than $3 billion in commitments from both government and precinct partners. This substantial investment will go towards upgrading and expanding the precinct’s healthcare services, education offerings, research capabilities, and innovation facilities in the years to come.

Furthermore, the agenda for the upcoming November 2023 PBAC meeting includes the consideration of extending treatment access for Vertex’s Kalydeco (Ivacaftor). If approved, this extension will cover CF patients aged 4 to 12 months. This development holds promise for approximately 85 patients, many of whom will be gaining access to a CFTR modulator for the first time. The extension will not only benefit those who may not respond effectively to existing treatments but will also provide an opportunity for life-changing care to be administered earlier in their lives.

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