More local treatment for Gippsland lung patients

Latrobe Regional Health (LRH) has taken a significant step forward in patient care with the introduction of a brand-new bronchoscope.

It means Gippsland lung patients can undergo ultrasound procedures locally, eliminating the need for lengthy trips to Melbourne.

Metung resident Diane Walsh became the first patient to benefit from the new equipment when she underwent an endo-bronchial ultrasound (EBUS) at LRH in early September.

The procedure followed the detection of a lesion in her lungs.

Previously, patients like Diane were routinely referred to metropolitan hospitals for the procedure, which could take her up to eight hours for a round trip.

“If this procedure was not at LRH, I would have to go all the way to Melbourne,” Diane said.

“We are very lucky to have this done locally, not just for me, but for a lot of other people as well.”

EBUS is a minimally invasive but highly effective procedure used to assess abnormalities in the lungs and surrounding lymph nodes.

It plays a crucial role in diagnosing conditions such as lung cancer, which is a significant concern in Gippsland.

The bronchoscope is part of LRH’s ongoing investment in regional healthcare, aiming to bring more advanced services to Gippsland.

LRH respiratory and sleep physician Dr Ajit Nair said the new procedure will make a difference for patients and clinicians.

He said it would assist in guiding further treatment by enabling both a biopsy and an accurate diagnosis.

“Gippsland has some of the highest lung cancer rates in Australia, and this was one of the remaining procedures for which our patients were still being sent to Melbourne,” Dr Nairn said.

“It’s great that we can now provide this care locally.”