Alfred Health News

Queenslanders living without a fully functioning spleen will have access to a national support service for the first time.

Thanks to a partnership with Spleen Australia (part of Alfred Health), the registry will help prevent serious infections in about 3000 living in Queensland with spleen complications.

Formally known as the Victorian Spleen Registry, Spleen Australia (which is based at The Alfred) aims to raise awareness and educate patients, their families and doctors of the possible health risks associated with not having a fully functioning spleen.

Deputy Director of The Alfred's Infectious Diseases Department, A/Prof Dennis Spelman says the rollout of the registry is wonderful news for the Sunshine State.

"We are pleased to be supporting Queensland Health as they adopt our model and look forward to working together to care for some of the state's most vulnerable people," A/Prof Spelman said.

"Alfred Health, through our service Spleen Australia service, is a leader in improving health outcomes for people with no spleens or those living with spleen conditions."

Spleen Australia manager Penelope Jones says the clinical registry will change the lives of Queenslanders living without a fully functioning spleen.

"Our work guides medical practitioners on how to better support their patients - and helps them to keep track of changes to recommendations around clinical practice," she said.

If you'd like to know more about Spleen Australia, go www.spleen.org.au or phone 1800 SPLEEN (1800 775 336).