News

Patients across the Border region are set to benefit from more precise lung cancer diagnostics, following the funding of advanced medical equipment through the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund. 

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor and the Trust Fund, Albury Wodonga Health (AWH) has acquired two highly specialised diagnostic tools; an Ultrasound Processor and an Ultrasonic Hybrid Bronchoscope, valued at $313,000. These advanced instruments will significantly enhance the precision of lung cancer diagnosis and staging, giving patients access to faster and more accurate information about their condition, while remaining close to home. 

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Trust Fund (AWRCCTF) and our anonymous donor,” said Bill Appleby, Albury Wodonga Health’s CEO. 

“It’s investments like these that make a tangible difference in the lives of patients in our region, particularly those battling lung cancer, which is a significant health challenge here on the Border,” he said. 

Dr. James Robertson, Respiratory Physician at Albury Wodonga Health, shared, “The addition of this equipment is a game-changer for teams at Albury Wodonga Health.” 

“It allows us to perform Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) procedures with unparalleled accuracy, through more precise imaging, helping us detect cancer earlier and treat it more effectively.” 

“This is especially important in our region, where lung cancer represents 9% of all cancers and is responsible for 17% of cancer-related deaths.” 

Albury Wodonga Health currently conducts approximately 235 EBUS procedures annually. The upgraded equipment will not only increase diagnostic precision but also help expand the service over time to meet growing need. 

The equipment also ensures that advanced diagnostic services are available locally, eliminating the need for patients to travel to metropolitan centres saving time, reducing disruption to treatment, and improving overall patient experience. 

“We are proud to be part of a community that is committed to improving healthcare and saving lives,” said the anonymous donor. 

“Knowing that our contribution will have a lasting impact on cancer care and help so many people in our community is truly humbling. We’re honoured to be part of this important work,” they said. 

AWH maintains a strong partnership with the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund to improve access to the latest medical technology, ensuring we position our region as a centre of excellence for cancer care. 

Michelle Hensel, AWRCCTF Board Chair highlighted the impact of the collaboration. “Over the past 11 years, our partnership with AWH has proven vital in ensuring that our local community members are able to access cancer treatment close to home.” 

“Driving to Melbourne for treatment is not only emotionally taxing but also financially burdensome. This equipment means our community members will be able to access state-of-the-art medical biopsies that result in more accurate diagnoses and more effective treatments.” 

Andrew Mackinlay, AWRCCTF Manager shared, “I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to the anonymous donor for their incredibly generous donation to the Trust Fund.” 

“It is through this generosity that the EBUS equipment was able to be funded when it was needed most. The ongoing support from our community continues to amaze us here at the Trust Fund, and I’m eager to see the impact the EBUS has had on so many lives.” 

Community support continues to play a vital role in ensuring regional families have access to the very best care, close to home.