New facility to boost Midland as medical and education hub
Transplants benefit nearly 10,000 patients, including more than 6,000 from WA
Western Australia's only bone and tissue bank, PlusLife, will relocate its laboratories and develop new and expanded facilities, thanks to a $10 million) capital grant included in the 2016-17 State Budget.
Health Minister John Day said the allocation would fund a new, purpose-built processing and laboratory centre within the rapidly developing Midland health precinct.
"Over the past 23 years, grafts of bone and tissue from PlusLife have transformed many lives for the better. The cash value of these grafts has been put at nearly $30 million but for patients, the value is inestimable," he said.
"Demand for these services has grown significantly and the State Government is committed to ensuring the long-term success of this important not-for-profit organisation."
PlusLife is licenced by Therapeutic Goods Administration to retrieve, process, store and distribute donated human bone and related tissue for the purpose of transplantation.
"The $10 million will be used to build new cleanrooms, laboratories and freezer storage space in Midland, boosting the development of this area as a medical and education hub," Mr Day said.
"PlusLife will contribute $450,000 for pre-project works, including the preparation of detailed architectural plans. The Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority is also helping PlusLife in its relocation to this exciting new precinct."
Treasurer Mike Nahan said the PlusLife funding would ensure home-grown ingenuity continued delivering for WA and Australia.
"The Government has made bold decisions to deliver record investment in innovative and strategic infrastructure and services to build a future full of opportunity for Western Australian families and individuals," Dr Nahan said.
Grafts provided by PlusLife are commonly used in the surgical treatment of:
- children and adolescents with spinal deformities
- young people with bone tumours (in many cases preventing amputations)
- patients with complex joint problems resulting from debilitating arthritis or trauma
- patients with sport and traumatic injuries
- dental bone loss and maxillofacial reconstruction.
Fact File
PlusLife, formerly known as the Perth Bone and Tissue Bank Inc, was formed in 1992
To date, more than 16,402 grafts have been provided for 9,665 recipients Australia-wide, including 6,178 in WA
Treasurer's office - 6552 5700
Health Minister's office - 6552 6200
