BONE BANK MOVES INTO IMPROVED FACILITIES
Published Thursday, 04 October, 2007 at 12:18 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
The Queensland Bone Bank which has allowed more than 10,000 people to have major surgery requiring bone grafts has moved into improved facilities on Brisbane’s southside.
Premier Anna Bligh and Health Minister Stephen Robertson today officially opened the new $12.3 million headquarters at Forensic and Scientific Services at Coopers Plains.
Ms Bligh said the Queensland Health organisation first opened at the Princess Alexandra Hospital 20 years ago but had outgrown its previous premises.
“The Queensland Bone Bank has grown to become Australia’s largest bone supplier for both public and private surgeons,” she said.
“It helped 17 people receive the surgery they required in 1987, but now it annually services around 1,000 patients with a range of conditions such as complex fractures and spinal injuries.
“Of the 10,400 patients to have benefited from its supplies, 79 percent are Queenslanders with the remainder from across Australia and New Zealand.
“The bone bank supplies bone grafts needed to treat a range of medical conditions associated with orthopaedic surgery, tendon repair, tumour and spine surgery as well as trauma surgery.”
Mr Robertson said the new headquarters with 17 staff, including doctors and scientists, boasted a significant research capability which did not exist at the P.A. Hospital.
“This facility has no technical equal anywhere in Australia and few peers world-wide,” Mr Robertson said.
“It will also allow the bone bank to research and develop new ways of producing traditional grafts, new bone products for use by surgeons, as well as materials previously unavailable in Australia.
“It has also been designed with the future in mind and will improve patient care and services by ensuring the on-going availability of bone grafts for surgery.
“The facility won the National Project of the Year Award in 2006 in recognition of the extensive project management and design.
“Ultimately we have to thank donors who have donated bones to allow other people to benefit from surgery using a graft.
“Without donors none of this would be possible.”
Mr Robertson said Queenslanders interested in becoming a bone donor can get more information by telephoning 1800 777 203 or by visiting the website: www.medicareaustralia.gov.au.
4 October, 2007
Media contact: Premiers Office (07) 3224 4500
Minister Robertson’s Office (07) 3234 1185
Premier Anna Bligh and Health Minister Stephen Robertson today officially opened the new $12.3 million headquarters at Forensic and Scientific Services at Coopers Plains.
Ms Bligh said the Queensland Health organisation first opened at the Princess Alexandra Hospital 20 years ago but had outgrown its previous premises.
“The Queensland Bone Bank has grown to become Australia’s largest bone supplier for both public and private surgeons,” she said.
“It helped 17 people receive the surgery they required in 1987, but now it annually services around 1,000 patients with a range of conditions such as complex fractures and spinal injuries.
“Of the 10,400 patients to have benefited from its supplies, 79 percent are Queenslanders with the remainder from across Australia and New Zealand.
“The bone bank supplies bone grafts needed to treat a range of medical conditions associated with orthopaedic surgery, tendon repair, tumour and spine surgery as well as trauma surgery.”
Mr Robertson said the new headquarters with 17 staff, including doctors and scientists, boasted a significant research capability which did not exist at the P.A. Hospital.
“This facility has no technical equal anywhere in Australia and few peers world-wide,” Mr Robertson said.
“It will also allow the bone bank to research and develop new ways of producing traditional grafts, new bone products for use by surgeons, as well as materials previously unavailable in Australia.
“It has also been designed with the future in mind and will improve patient care and services by ensuring the on-going availability of bone grafts for surgery.
“The facility won the National Project of the Year Award in 2006 in recognition of the extensive project management and design.
“Ultimately we have to thank donors who have donated bones to allow other people to benefit from surgery using a graft.
“Without donors none of this would be possible.”
Mr Robertson said Queenslanders interested in becoming a bone donor can get more information by telephoning 1800 777 203 or by visiting the website: www.medicareaustralia.gov.au.
4 October, 2007
Media contact: Premiers Office (07) 3224 4500
Minister Robertson’s Office (07) 3234 1185