Key PointsAustralia’s first cystic fibrosis ward opened at Westmead hospital in Sydney.The purpose-built ward will provide essential support and treatment for people living with disorder.A commemorative plaque in honour of Dr Malay Rana was also unveiled at the facility.
Australia’s now has its first 16-bed cystic fibrosis ward at Sydney’s Westmead Hospital.
Dr Malay Rana, who had the disease, lobbied the government for a specialist facility before passing away in 2015 at the age of 27.
A commemorative plaque in honour of Dr Rana has been installed at the Westmead Cystic Fibrosis Unit.
Fully funded by the Commonwealth government, Australia’s first dedicated cystic fibrosis specialist service ward will provide care and treatment for adults living with the condition.
A tragedy led to the creation of this public facility.
An Indian-Australian doctor of Gujarati heritage, Dr Rana was born with this genetic condition that affects the respiratory and digestive systems.
The excessive formation of very thick mucous in the lungs and digestive system is the most common indicator of this disease.
But Dr Rana nurtured a dream while he lived, and had it fulfilled after he died.
Dr Malay Rana
Living after death
The young Dr Rana wanted better medical facilities for patients with cystic fibrosis.
His mother, Meenal Rana, spoke with SBS Gujarati about the family’s journey of making Dr Rana’s dream come true.
“Malay raised awareness about cystic fibrosis in the community by giving radio interviews and speaking to people about the condition,” she said.
He also went to regional hospitals to speak about cystic fibrosis to the staff there and about how he managed his health while working towards fulfilling his ambitions of becoming a doctor.
Meenal Rana
“He lobbied the government for funding various cystic fibrosis clinics in New South Wales,” she added.
“One of Malay’s visions was establishing a specialised cystic fibrosis ward in Sydney. He wanted to improve the treatment and management of cystic fibrosis.
“Finally, in 2019, the then-Morrison government pledged to provide $65 million to establish a dedicated cystic fibrosis unit, giving hope of better facilities for patients with the condition,” Mrs Rana elaborated.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park unveils the plaque in honour of Dr Malay Rana whose parents can be seen on the right. Credit: Western Sydney Local Health District
Australia’s first
New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park and Member for Parramatta Donna Davis, along with Dr Rana’s parents, Divyesh and Meenal, inaugurated the facility in August.
In a statement, Federal Minister for Health Mark Butler said the purpose-built ward in the Westmead Health Precinct will provide essential support and treatment for people living with this genetic disorder.
On average, a person with cystic fibrosis needs to be admitted to a hospital once a year, which requires a high level of multidisciplinary care from doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and dietitians.
Mark Butler, Federal Minister for Health
“This service will make a big difference to patients and their families,” he added.
Facilities at the ward
The 16-bed inpatient unit has four airborne infection isolation rooms and a specialised outpatient unit to deliver more personalised care to patients with cystic fibrosis.
The contemporary outpatient unit features 10 consultation rooms, four single rooms for day-stay patients, a procedure room and a research area for clinical trials and diagnostic services.
The 16-bed inpatient unit will deliver more personalised care. Credit: Western Sydney Local Health District.
Western Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Graeme Loy told SBS Gujarati the Cystic Fibrosis Specialist Service is “another great example of health innovation within the Westmead Health Precinct”.
There are still many like Dr Malay Rana, who lost his life at just 27, who need specialised services and continued research to provide quality and quantity of life.
Graeme Loy
“People with cystic fibrosis are now living longer than ever before thanks to massive improvements in treatment and care.
“This new facility offers an exciting opportunity to carry out new research and clinical trials and offer patients world-leading treatments for this disease,” Mr Loy added.
‘Incredible advocate for cystic fibrosis’
In his speech, Mr Park acknowledged Dr Rana for his efforts and dedication to establishing facilities for the cystic fibrosis community.
Malay Rana was an incredible physician and an incredible brain and an incredible advocate for cystic fibrosis… but more importantly than that, he was an incredible human being.
Ryan Park, Minister for Health, NSW
His parents were involved throughout the planning and design stages of the project and provided valuable insights that could serve the needs of cystic fibrosis patients.
Mrs Rana said she is proud of her son’s vision and hopes the dedicated ward will contribute towards improved treatment for the cystic fibrosis community.
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