Dr Anthea Greenway, the Head of Clinical Haematology and Clinical Lead for the RCH Apheresis Service, describes apheresis as the process of ‘cleaning or separating the blood.’ 

“Basically, we are using a special machine called the Terumo Spectra Optia Apheresis System to separate the blood into its separate components. This machine spins the blood at a rapid speed which helps us to separate it into layers. Each one of those layers of the blood can contribute to how we might look after a patient with a range of different conditions, from cancers or leukaemia and blood disorders to kidney and neurological diseases” Anthea shared. 

The Terumo Spectra Optia Apheresis System makes this procedure as efficient and effective as possible. This state-of-the-art device, generously funded by 3AW and the Good Friday Appeal, has allowed clinical staff to further prioritise patient care and treat even more patients.  

“One of the incredible things about Apheresis is that we can treat a broad range of conditions, so that’s why the use of Apheresis has continues to grow quickly,” Anthea further explained.   

Access to this treatment is vital as it can be used to assist countless patients across the RCH, including those undergoing stem cell transplants, leukaemia treatment and those being treated for sickle cell disease. It can also assist with the management of organ rejection and dysfunction following transplantation and with life threatening kidney and neurological diseases. 

“We have set up an interdisciplinary service where we have an amazing group of nursing staff, scientists and clinicians who move across all those different work areas. Together, we share our expertise and medical knowledge so we can provide the best care to our patients,”

Dr Anthea Greenway

“Previously, and in other centres where this is set up as a separated system, it has been challenging to maintain coverage across all disease groups and specialties. It’s also hard to provide in-depth experience and service to make sure we’re giving great care to our patients,” she continued.   

This interdisciplinary model is an Australian-first, helping maximise staff expertise and focus on the needs of each child. Additionally, the service is widely recognised for its ability to deliver patient-centred care in the RCH’s Ambulatory Day Medical Centre.  

“The Ambulatory Day Centre allows patients to come from the ward or from home to have their treatment. This space offers them a family-friendly environment as it accommodates the parents, offers education, art therapy and more,” Anthea shared. 

The outpatient setting of the Ambulatory Day Centre also reduces the need for intensive hospital stays, providing patients with more flexible care.  

“The day medical centre allows us to, where appropriate, de-escalate and free up resources for other children that need them. Many of our patients are still coming in and doing schoolwork, therapy and normal kid activities,” Anthea highlighted.

The Apheresis Service is helping save and transform the lives of sick children in a way that was not possible a decade ago.  

“Some of my patients were only able to walk with a crutch or couldn’t participate in sport. But once they started this treatment, they have been able to throw away that crutch, perform at a high-level in sports and thrive at school, including completing their exams,” Anthea emphasised. 

The Apheresis Service has also been able to address the need for an after-hours service by offering training and education programs that were not previously available in the country. This is helping cultivate a sustainable workforce of dedicated Australian healthcare professionals that can support even more sick children across the country. 

“Establishing the Apheresis Service with an emphasis on education, training and quality has been really important in maintaining excellent care for our patients,” Anthea said. 

“In a hospital such as the RCH which provides care to all children across Melbourne, regional Victoria and beyond, access to an excellent paediatric apheresis service is critical in ensuring we’re providing the best possible care,” Anthea added. 

The RCH’s Apheresis Service is now at the forefront of paediatric excellence. Thanks to the support of the Good Friday Appeal and 3AW, the RCH has been able to provide world-class treatment to sick children and is now better equipped to respond to new developments in healthcare.  

“We absolutely appreciate the Good Friday Appeal’s support in this critical endeavour, and it would not have been possible without their help.”