Spleen Registry a First for Queensland

Health Minister Cameron Dick has announced a statewide specialised support service for Queenslanders living without a fully functioning spleen.

Queensland Health will partner with the Victorian-based service, Spleen Australia, to help prevent serious infections in about 3000 Queenslanders.

Formerly known as the Victorian Spleen Registry, Spleen Australia, based at The Alfred hospital in Melbourne, aims to raise awareness and educate patients, their families and medical practitioners of the possible health risks associated with not having a fully functioning spleen.

Mr. Dick said the roll out of the registry was good news for Queenslanders.

‘‘Today’s announcement has the potential to not only improve the health of this group of Queenslanders but also potentially save lives,’’ Mr. Dick said.

‘‘It is also an exciting day as we partner with our peers in Victoria to improve the health of some of the state’s most vulnerable people.

‘‘This is yet another great example of just how successful collaborations in healthcare can be.’’    

Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said the spleen was on the left-hand side of the body, tucked up under the ribs, and played an important role in combating some common bacterial infections.

‘‘People living without a spleen and those with reduced spleen function face a lifetime higher risk of overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI) from serious and life-threatening invasive bacterial diseases,’’ Dr Young said.

‘‘OPSI is associated with a 40 to 50 per cent mortality rate and survivors may be left with significant morbidities, such as limb amputation.

“However, these infections are largely preventable through education, vaccination and the use of prophylactic antibiotics.’’

‘‘The most important thing to remember if you lack a functioning spleen is to see a doctor as soon as you begin experiencing fevers, shakes, sweating, severe headaches, chills or exhaustion.’’

Spleen Australia’s Manager Penny Jones said Spleen Australia would change the lives of Queenslanders living without a fully functioning spleen.

‘‘Free, regular medical information, vaccination reminders and access to phone support via 1800 SPLEEN (1800 775 336) are all part of the service,’’ Ms Jones said.

‘‘Registered patients will receive a credit card-sized ‘spleen alert card’ that they should carry at all times in case of emergencies as well as other educational material including a DVD.”

Ms Jones said the Victorian arm of Spleen Australia had seen positive outcomes after partnering with clinicians and patients. It’s a privilege to support people of all ages who have this health condition. 

‘‘Spleen Australia ensures that GPs and physicians of registered Queenslanders receive consistent, best-practice recommendations for the prevention and treatment of OPSI,’’ Ms Jones said.

‘‘Following the success of Spleen Australia’s Victorian service, we’re expecting to see a decrease in the incidence of severe infections in these patients in Queensland.

‘‘The roll-out of Queensland’s Spleen Australia Service is a great outcome for our fellow state and a positive step forward in raising community awareness about the health issues these patients face.’’

• If you’d like to know more about Spleen Australia, go www.spleen.org.au or phone 1800 SPLEEN (1800 775 336)

ENDS

Media contact:

Minister’s office Suellen Hinde (07) 3035 6117

Spleen Australia: (03) 9076 2381