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Northe Speaks In Parliament On Blood Issues Resolved For Local Auxiliary

Member for Morwell Russell Northe today spoke in Parliament on the great work being undertaken by Latrobe City’s air ambulance helicopter Helimed 1 and its crew, along with our local Auxiliary.

By Russell Northe - 10th May 2013 - Back to News

In an important change now has been able to secure transfusion ready blood board treat serious injuries from a supplier. Mr Northe said "Speaking about blood supplies I also wish to commend our local Helimed Auxiliary team and indeed our local paramedics for also introducing a very important local initiative. "Air ambulance Victoria has five air ambulance helicopters across the state including Helimed 1 based in Latrobe City. Mr Northe acknowledged Helimed 1 and its crew perform a marvellous service on behalf of the Victorian community and have saved countless lives over the years. "Unlike other regional helicopters Helimed 1 was having to secure vital blood supplies from outside the region. "Knowing blood only has a short shelf life this was a time consuming and costly exercise. Having been approached by local auxiliary members a number of discussions were had with relevant stakeholders including Neville Moller from Gippsland Pathology. "Following those conversations a great outcome has been achieved with Gippsland Pathology now supplying blood to Helimed 1. He concluded "Thanks go to Gippsland Pathology for their assistance and to the fabulous Helimed Auxiliary team who have provided enormous ongoing support both financially and otherwise including contributing to the funding of 5 portable blood supply refrigerators. Mr Northe also spoke in Parliament on the provision of blood clot dissolving drugs. Mr Northe said "The Gippsland community has very much welcomed the recent announcement by the Minister for Health David Davis and the Coalition Government, which will see $22 million of investment to address heart disease and stroke in regional areas. "Coronary heart disease is the single largest contributing cause of death of Victorians with disease such as stroke ranking second. "Enabling regional MICA ambulances to carry blood clot-dissolving drugs is a wonderful and sensible initiative and has the potential to save many lives. Media contact: Russell Northe 5133 9088

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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