The Morrison Government will invest $65 million to establish the first dedicated Cystic Fibrosis Specialist Unit, offering world-class care for those affected by the condition and new hope of finding a cure.
The Specialist Unit will provide treatment with state-of-the-art equipment, research and diagnostic facilities as a key part of the Westmead Health and Education Precinct in Sydney.
Cystic Fibrosis is the most common chronic, life-limiting genetic condition affecting young Australians today. Every four days a baby is born with the disease.
Fortunately, with advancements in treatment and medication, patients are living longer, which is why a specific adult centre is required. The number of adults with cystic fibrosis has increased by 1,000 in the past 15 years.
The Cystic Fibrosis unit will be co-located with the hospital’s respiratory unit and contain:
A 16-bed inpatient unit with single rooms, including four isolation rooms
- Specialist research zone
- New consultation rooms
- New work spaces for clinical staff
- An upgraded outpatient service including day stay rooms for procedures and outpatient physiotherapy and respiratory testing.
This latest investment follows the listing of two medications for Cystic Fibrosis on the PBS over the last two years. Orkambi® in 2018, that otherwise would cost patients $250,000 annually and Kalydeco® in 2017, which would cost patients $300,000 a year. These important medications now cost as little as $6.50 a script.
The Morrison Government’s ‘Plan for Strengthening Australia’s World Class Health System’ will guarantee Medicare, deliver record bulk billing, an additional $31 billion for hospitals over the next five year agreement, $40 billion for new medicines and research backed by our $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund. More information is available:https://www.liberal.org.au/our-plan-strengthening-…