Once in generation opportunity for transplant services
MEDIA STATEMENT
Metro North Health has undertaken a once in a generation benchmark exercise as part of its commitment to position Queensland’s heart and lung transplant service at the forefront of transplant care in Australia.
TPCH Acting Executive Director Dr Julieanne Graham said heart and lung transplantation is a critical statewide service.
“Heart and lung transplantation and associated specialist care not only gives people a second chance but improves the quality of life for people with complex life limiting conditions,” Dr Graham said.
The benchmarking exercise, conducted in July 2024, comprised an independent panel of clinical experts from various interstate transplant services who looked at strengths and possible improvements within these services.
TPCH is the state’s centre for heart and lung transplantation, with on average around 10 heart transplants and 20-30 lung transplants per year. It is one of four heart and lung transplant services in Australia.
Dr Graham said the panel provided recommendations around the key themes of new technology, research and training, models of care and clinical governance, staffing and resources, and staff wellbeing.
“We appreciate the panel’s expert knowledge and recommendations to continually improve care pre and post heart and lung transplantation. Thank you to the external experts, consumers and staff who contributed to the benchmarking exercise,” she said.
“We will work with the clinical teams and consumers, particularly in the heart failure and cardiac transplant program, to implement and embed the recommendations.”
Metro North will also develop a five-year plan for the statewide service with a focus on best practice and long-term sustainability.