Government Action Plan for Health helps seek cure for haemophilia

The Children's Hospital at Westmead has appointed an additional haematologist thanks to funding from the Government Action Plan for Health. Dr Julie Curtin is a Staff Specialist with a particular interest in kids with bleeding disorders. Her appointment brings additional expertise to the treatment of these children with profound implications for their long-term wellbeing.

Dr Curtin has researched bleeding disorders for many years and has long been convinced that gene therapy holds the key to a cure for haemophilia. Accordingly, 20% of her salary is sponsored by the Gene Therapy Unit with 80% being covered by Government for clinical purposes. This places Dr Curtin in a perfect position to translate research into bleeding disorders into treatment for over 120 young patients at the Hospital.

Haemophilia treatment is designed to minimise the long term negative effects of the condition. The primary area of concern is spontaneous bleeds into joints and muscles. This can cause arthritis resulting in the need for joint replacement, crutches or even a wheelchair in later life. Today's treatments make this much less likely with early intervention minimising the damage to the joints. Indeed, children with severe haemophilia have prophylactic treatment via a regular shot that minimises the incidence of bleeds.

The appointment has also enabled the Hospital to start planning outreach clinics for children with bleeding disorders. The provision of services to children in regional and rural areas will assist families practically and psychologically.

Dr Curtin is committed to providing the very best care for these children now whilst working towards a cure for the future.

"One in three of all our haemophiliac cases come from a family with no previous history. The condition will continue to be a significant issue for us with considerable cost to the health care system. Working towards a cure must be our medium term goal," Dr Curtin said.

Over $3million dollars was committed to a number of projects at The Children's Hospital at Westmead through 2000/01 GAPH funding. This is just one of the projects which will have a significant impact on the care of sick kids, now and in the future.

For further information, please call:

Gilly Paxton
Manager
Public Relations
(02) 9845 3568 or page (02) 9845 0000