impossible NEWS | WINTER 2020
Alfred patient Ned Parnham
Ned's incredible legacy
COVID-19
Emily's new lease on life
Making a difference to Leukaemia research
Standing at the forefront
TV star’s heart surgery success
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and at The Alfred the response and commitment of all staff, both frontline and support staff, has been nothing short of exceptional.
Director’s Report Welcome to impossible, a newsletter designed to showcase the profound impact your contributions make on the patients, families and communities we serve. To say 2020 has thrown up some unexpected challenges would be a huge understatement. In response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic we have all had to adapt to a ‘new normal’. The response by the Australian community has been extraordinary
The challenges during this period have been many however, collectively, and with considerable support from the community, we have risen to the challenge. We continue to respond to the coronavirus pandemic and were pleased to commence the first human trials of a potential vaccine in the southern hemisphere with our Alfred Research Alliance partners in May. Our Intensive Care Unit and Emergency & Trauma Centre have significantly strengthened their capacities, while research is underway by our Department of Infectious Diseases to understand the impacts of the virus on our most vulnerable community members.
In May we also launched our appeal to raise much needed funds to upgrade our iconic helipad. Once again, our community of donors responded generously, and the upgrade works will commence soon. We look forward to updating you on the progress of this project shortly. On behalf of all the staff and patients at The Alfred thank you – we are truly grateful for your enduring support and commitment to improving the lives of so many. Warmest Regards,
Patrick Baker director – the alfred foundation
Exploring new treatment options for Parkinson’s Parkinson’s is a progressive degenerative neurological condition affecting around 100,000 Australians. One of its significant symptoms is an inability to control movement due to a lack of dopamine in the brain. There are limited treatment options for those living with the disease, however The Alfred and Monash University have commenced testing an innovative new machine that could improve Parkinson’s symptoms using gravity and movement. Lead researcher, Dr Ben Sinclair, said early anecdotal feedback suggests the machine may improve mobility and reduce symptoms in users. “The results from the first few patients have been very promising,” said Dr Sinclair.
The Reviver machine intentionally challenges participants’ sense of balance in a safe and controlled environment. The reaction to being tilted off balance creates a powerful and innate response that can activate muscle groups that have become disengaged. People with Parkinson's Disease who are interested in participating can contact b.sinclair@alfred.org.au.
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This study provides a rare opportunity to uncover a new possible treatment pathway for people affected by Parkinson’s. – Dr Sinclair
Photo: A study participant tests the Reviver machine
Although all patients with leukaemia are courageous, Ned and his family were special. Ned, his mother and brothers all embodied a kindness and inner strength that represented everything good in the world.
Ned’s enduring legacy to fight leukaemia At just 21 Ned Parnham had his whole life ahead of him, but in November 2018 the Melbourne University Environmental Science student was diagnosed with a rare form of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). For 15 months Ned fought with tremendous strength, dignity and determination, enduring a stem cell transplant, clinical trials and chemotherapy but tragically in February this year Ned lost his battle. “Ned had just re-enrolled in his studies following stem cell treatment when he sadly became unwell again,” says Ned’s mum Jennifer. Through the experience of his own cancer treatment, and an already established love of science via his studies, Ned developed a keen interest in leukaemia treatment and research. “We were so grateful that just before he passed away, his treating specialist Associate Professor Andrew Wei, was able to share with Ned how his blood would be used in research and trials.”
Ned’s blood will be stored indefinitely so that researchers around the world can work towards a cure for his type of cancer. Ned’s dedication to AML research will be remembered through his incredible decision to donate $40,000 of his life insurance towards research at The Alfred hospital, led by Associate Professor Wei. After Ned’s passing, his family continued to honour his determination to help find a cure for AML, creating a GoFundMe campaign set up in his memory, raising an outstanding $30,000. Jennifer and Ned’s two brothers plan on returning to The Alfred in the near future to meet the research team and learn more about the impact of Ned’s legacy.
All research begins with an idea. – A/Prof Andrew Wei
Photo: Ned with his treating nursing staff at The Alfred
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Ned made the extraordinary decision to donate his leukaemic cells for research and they have since been transplanted into host leukaemia models with the potential for indefinite propagation to support future research. New drug combinations have already been tested in order to validate better treatments. Ned realised that although the results of such research would not lead to his cure, it might make a contribution to the lives of others like him. All research begins with an idea. That idea is translated into a long series of experiments and clinical trials, with the hope that eventually a drug will be produced. If a drug is shown to extend life by one year and is delivered to 10,000 people then the equivalent of 10,000 life years could be gained. This hope is what motivates cancer researchers. Ned’s generous donation will create the ideas and the means to promote future research. In this way, Ned has already made a difference. Associate Professor Andrew Wei
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COVID-19: Standing at the forefront In the past six months the world has changed dramatically. As a global community, we are grappling with one of the most significant health events in living memory. Health services across the country have been forging a path and finding our way through these extraordinary and difficult circumstances. The Alfred has played a significant role in responding to this crisis, working collaboratively to help lead the way in diagnosis, treatment and research. For almost 150 years The Alfred has been on the frontline caring for Victorians during a crisis and the current pandemic is no exception. Home to one of Australia’s leading and busiest Intensive Care Units with the most complex case mix in the country, The Alfred has been responsible for caring for some of the state’s sickest COVID-19 patients. Patients like David (whose story accompanies this article) whose original outlook was extremely grim and required ECMO, one of the most extreme forms of life support.
The Alfred Research Alliance hosted the first human trial for a COVID-19 vaccine in the southern hemisphere after Nucleus Network was chosen to run world-first clinical trials. The Alliance is one of Australia’s leading biomedical precincts and home to some of the country’s top infectious diseases researchers and clinicians, who have played an active role in the COVID-19 response so far and in ongoing research into the virus and its impacts. This vaccine trial is one of more than 30 COVID-19 projects currently underway at The Alfred Research Alliance. The Alfred COVID testing clinic, which has been open since March, has conducted more than 20,000 tests to-date, including close to 2,500 Alfred staff. The Alfred Psychiatry team stood in when the Albert Road Clinic had to close due to a COVID outbreak. The remaining patients were transferred to The Alfred where our psychiatry team looked after them in Fairfield
Managing a major trauma hospital in the rapidly shifting landscape of a pandemic takes extraordinary responsiveness. By immediately opening and operating testing clinics and by substantially expanding the capacity of our Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Emergency and Trauma Centre (E&TC), The Alfred has played a crucial central role in the state’s healthcare response. ICU capacity has doubled, with the potential to expand even further to more than 380 beds if needed. By rearranging treatment spaces, the E&TC now has capacity to treat up to 200 patients if required.
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House with expert care until they were able to be discharged. The Alfred Oncology Unit overcame significant hurdles presented by interstate border closures due to COVID-19. By establishing a satellite hub at The Royal Hobart Hospital, a Tasmanian cancer patient (on phase 1 clinical trial to successfully shrink her tumour) could continue receiving treatment. The Alfred will continue to expand trials in similar ways, providing better access to cuttingedge treatments for patients unable to travel to our main site.
The Alfred Research Alliance commenced the first human trial for a COVID-19 vaccine in the southern hemisphere. Photo: Staff at our COVID-19 Screening Clinic
Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation awards major grant in response to COVID-19 The Alfred Foundation successfully received a $250,000 grant to support The Alfred’s Department of Infectious Diseases to understand the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on vulnerable people.
The life-threatening reality of COVID-19 Coronavirus is a term we are all far too familiar with but for some it is not just a term, it is a lifethreatening reality. David never expected to be one of these people, but after his son returned home from England and tested positive, the insidious nature of the virus meant David and wife Miriam would succumb to the illness too.
outside the body, providing support to patients with severe respiratory or cardiac failure. Luckily for David, The Alfred ICU is a leader in ECMO treatment, being one of few recipients globally of Platinum Level designation from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Center of Excellence. Gradually David started to improve, which A/Prof Pellegrino explains was a direct result of the level of care available to him.
While the family went into selfisolation, David’s condition deteriorated until five days later he became unresponsive and was rushed to The Alfred by ambulance.
“David benefitted from having an incredibly experienced team with international connections to countries experiencing the devastating impacts of coronavirus,” he said.
Despite attempts to provide oxygen, David needed to be placed on a ventilator in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). For three weeks David was under sedation, while Miriam dealt with her own recovery and the anguish of not being able to visit with their children.
Eventually David moved to a general ward to recover from a shocking 23-kilogram weight loss, and relearn basic functions like talking, standing and walking.
The impact of the virus on David’s lungs was severe and ultimately the ventilator was not enough to keep David alive. David’s treating specialist, Senior Intensive Care Specialist, Associate Professor Vincent Pellegrino said a decision had to be made to move David onto extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a treatment that involves oxygenation of blood
Since being discharged David has continued to be cared for at home through Alfred Health’s Better at Home service. David is so grateful of the level of care provided throughout his whole journey. “The integrated care was phenomenal. In terms of where I was, compared to where I am now, it’s absolutely miraculous.”
Photo: There are more than 30 COVID-19 projects currently underway at The Alfred Research Alliance
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The research will provide evidence and advice that will inform how best to look after people with COVID-19, including those living in residential aged care or those with compromised immune systems, and improve the public health response to the virus. The grant will support an extension of clinical studies already underway and enable new studies to be implemented quickly. The current research collects clinical data from sites around Australia on people hospitalised with influenza-like illnesses. The Foundation’s grant is supporting the collection of additional data on people with and without COVID-19 infection. As a result, The Alfred’s Department of Infectious Diseases will be able to provide more detailed data to public health units to improve the public health response to COVID-19 and advise how best to deploy interventions such as flu vaccine programs and infection prevention interventions in the community. As one of the largest and most comprehensive infectious disease clinical services in Australia, The Alfred is leading the way in translating medical research into clinical practice.
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Jennifer’s gift of hope for the future
The Alfred is fortunate to be supported by wonderful people just like Jennifer. Every gift in Will the hospital receives helps our lifesaving work continue and supports the amazing team of compassionate doctors and nurses to care for patients long into the future.
Jennifer was only nine when her father sadly passed away over 50 years ago from heart complications. Although she didn’t experience his treatment first-hand, Jennifer feels comforted by the care he received at The Alfred. “It means so much to me that my father was so well cared for. The hospital is an amazing place of care, hope, and healing.” At the initiative of her eldest brother Peter, Jennifer and Peter were able to participate in a clinical trial at The Alfred Heart Centre, having discovered that they had inherited familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), resulting in high cholesterol levels. Their middle brother David has also received treatment at The Alfred, including the insertion of a number of heart stents.
The family all remain as outpatients at The Alfred to this day, their lives forever changed by the innovative treatment made available to them. “My siblings and I have now lived beyond the age that both our parents died at, which is a very sobering thought,” says Jennifer. It was after becoming a patient at The Alfred Heart Centre, Jennifer made the decision to begin donating to the hospital as her way of saying thank you. Jennifer's husband Bruce would later suffer a severe stroke. Thanks to lifesaving surgery and treatment in The Alfred Intensive Care Unit followed by a year of rehabilitation at Alfred Health’s Caulfield Hospital, Bruce was able to return home to Jennifer and continue sharing cherished family moments together.
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If you would like to include a gift to The Alfred in your Will in memory or celebration of a loved one, simply speak to your solicitor about it the next time you’re updating your Will. For more information and to receive a helpful booklet all about including a gift to The Alfred in your Will, please get in touch with Ross or Sue on 03 9076 3222, email foundation@alfred.org.au or visit our website. “As you can see, for reasons not chosen by me, The Alfred has played a large part in my life,” says Jennifer. In recognition of this Jennifer has included a gift in her Will to The Alfred. “By including a gift to The Alfred in my Will in tribute to the care my father and husband received, I know I can help The Alfred continue being the incredible place that it is, helping so many others.”
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Gogglebox Grandmother’s lifesaving care at The Alfred
Many people would recognise Emily Milligan as the 91-year-old, quickwitted great grandmother from the TV program Gogglebox. Emily shares a screen with daughter Kerry and granddaughter Isabelle, and the multi-generational trio are known for their entertaining commentary, critiquing everything from Insight to The Bachelor. But Emily nearly didn’t get the chance to capture the hearts of Australians, as arguably the oldest person on Australian TV, after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. With four siblings having passed away from heart disease, Emily was quick to act when she started experiencing breathlessness and tightness in her chest. Investigations revealed her situation was critical and she required immediate openheart surgery. “A scan showed I had four blocked arteries and I was immediately scheduled for surgery at The Alfred,” Emily says. “Unfortunately, right before surgery an angiogram revealed I had pneumonia and I had to recover before surgery could commence.” Emily was in The Alfred for six weeks, experiencing cardiac arrest post-surgery and a challenging period of rehabilitation.
She still vividly recalls the care shown by Alfred staff when she felt at her lowest. “I was in shock and scared and one night I just cried and cried and a lovely nurse took my hand and told me I was going to be ok, I’ll never forget it.” Speaking to Emily and daughter Kerry, it’s easy to appreciate why the family has become such a popular fixture on our TV screens. Kerry talks about her mum’s ‘tough convict stock’ with an admiration and love many would find relatable.
I owe them my life. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them.
Now a regular attendee at fundraising functions for Alfred Health, Emily is incredibly grateful for the lifesaving care she received and clearly has a deep affection for the doctors and nurses who cared for her, “I owe them my life. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them.”
“Mum lost both her parents before the age of nine,” says Kerry. “She moved from Mildura to Tasmania to live with an aunt but was completely separated from her siblings.”
Photo: Emily Milligan
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NEWS WINTER 2020
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Our community making the impossible possible...
Community says thank you
A show of support for our healthcare heroes
During our first wave of COVID-19 restrictions, many schools, kindergartens and childcare centres reached out to share their support for our frontline workers. We proudly displayed beautiful drawings and messages of gratitude along common walkways, where staff were able to briefly pause and reflect on the groundswell of support from the community. Thank you to all the children involved who helped to bolster spirits during a time when many of us were unable to seek the usual comfort of our loved ones.
We have been completely humbled by the outpouring of donations from businesses across Victoria who reached out to offer meals, products and discounted services to our hardworking healthcare workers during the pandemic. With events on hiatus and many retailers and venues temporarily closed, staff were very fortunate to receive beauty products, crazy socks, and various other treats and snacks. Thank you to the many businesses involved, many of whom were facing their own challenges during lockdown, your support means so much to frontline staff.
In-Celebration Giving We'd like to acknowledge those people who have had to cancel or postpone their birthday celebrations this year during COVID-19 restrictions. In place of a party at the pub this April, three generous supporters made the choice to move their celebration online and support The Alfred by asking for donations in lieu of gifts and drinks. Conor and friends Charlie and Kristian, who all share the same birthday, reached their target of $500 to help towards the hospital’s pandemic response needs. We are very grateful for their support, and all those who chose to support The Alfred in this way. The Alfred is partnered with GoFundraise where an incelebration page can be set-up and shared to raise funds to support the hospital.
The Alfred Foundation PO Box 2021 Prahran VIC 3181 T: 1800 888 878 alfredhealth.org.au/foundation