Canberra Health Services is this week celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Bone Marrow Transplant Program, a milestone that underscores three decades of innovation, dedication and exceptional patient care.
Since its launch in 1995, the BMT Program has transformed the lives of more than 760 patients across the region and processed more than 1,600 bone marrow stem cell collections.
ACT Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith (pictured, far right, with Canberra Health Services program staff) said the achievement was a testament to the expertise and collaboration of the medical, nursing and laboratory teams, who have been at the forefront of delivering highly specialised treatment.
“The 30th anniversary of the Bone Marrow Transplant Program is a significant milestone. It reflects the unwavering commitment of dedicated staff and resilience of patients,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
Bone marrow transplantation is a transformative procedure used to treat blood cancers and other serious conditions.
Autologous BMT gives patients a chance to grow healthy new blood cells and involves the collections of special cells from the patient’s blood, which are then frozen and given back to them after intensive chemotherapy has cleared out damaged cells. Once returned, these stem cells navigate back to the patient’s bone marrow to regenerate healthy blood cells, supporting their recovery and improving health outcomes.
“In 2016, a state-of-the-art cryogenic storage facility was commissioned at Canberra Hospital, ensuring the safe preservation of stem cells for future use. Today, this facility holds over 1,000 bags of cells across three large liquid nitrogen tanks,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
“The establishment of the cryogenic storage facility at ACT Pathology has been pivotal in ensuring the longevity and viability of stored stem cells. It not only enhances the capacity to treat patients but also positions the health service at the forefront of medical research and innovation.
“Congratulations to all staff, patients and supporters who have contributed to 30 years of outstanding BMT care.”
Haematology Unit Director at Canberra Hospital, Associate Professor Maya Latimer said it was an honour to support people through such a crucial part of their care.
“Over the past 30 years of BMT, we’ve seen remarkable progress – patients living longer, families gaining new options and treatments that were once out of reach becoming routine,” she said.
“What truly distinguishes our work is the depth of collaboration across disciplines. This is not the effort of any one individual, but a collective commitment from doctors, scientists, nurses and support teams. Each team bring their specialised knowledge to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients.”
More information on Canberra Hospital’s Haematology Service can be found at: www.canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au/services-and-clinics/services/haematology-clinic.
