A new state-of-the-art machine at the Orange hospital Dialysis Unit is the first of its kind in the Central West and will stop patients having to regularly travel to Sydney for treatment.
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Haematologist, Doctor Doug Lenton said the new Terumo Spectra Optia apheresis machine will help patients who have renal, neurological and haematological diseases.
“The machine helps us treat patients by removing plasma and antibodies from the blood, which cause significant and potentially fatal illnesses affecting the nervous system, kidneys and blood,” Dr Lenton said.
“Previously patients requiring this type of treatment had to travel to Sydney on a regular basis to have their treatment.”
Renal Services Nursing Unit manager Karen Fogo said she is thrilled patients who were travelling to Sydney, sometimes more than once a week, can stay closer to home for treatment.
“The costs associated with travelling to Sydney, not to mention the massive emotional and physical tolls on the patient, their family and friends can be huge, so it’s really exciting to have this new machine in Orange,” she said.
“We’ve started treating our first patient on the machine, which is already assisting the family by allowing them to have the treatment locally, reducing countless hours of driving to Sydney.
“The family has been to Sydney about 200 times in the last two years, driving twice a week to Sydney to have this treatment.
“The new machine has also further enhanced our service, allowing us to treat more specific and complex health conditions.
“Our nursing team have had specific training enhancing their knowledge and skills.”
The machine was purchased with a $70,000 donation from Newcrest Cadia Valley Operations.
Newcrest Cadia Valley Operations senior community relations specialist Melissa O’Brien said the company wants to leave a positive legacy in the community, and is proud to have donated the money to allow the hospital to purchase the machine.
