Christmas Appeal fundraising target - $50,000

The Launceston General Hospital is without a vital piece of medical equipment that will save the lives of Tasmanians at risk of developing oesophageal cancer.

Every day Tasmanians are diagnosed with Barrett’s Oesophagus – a serious precursor for oesophageal cancer – one of the deadliest forms of cancer.

Radiofrequency Ablation is considered best practice for treating the condition.

However, there is currently NO ACCESS to an RFA system in Tasmania, with patients required to travel to interstate for life-saving treatment.

This Christmas, the Clifford Craig Foundation has launched a new fundraising campaign to secure a HALO Radiofrequency Ablation system for the Launceston General Hospital.

A message from Dr Scott Fanning - the Director of Launceston General Hospital’s Gastroenterology Department:

“As Doctors, we want the best outcomes for our patients. Unfortunately, this often comes with a price tag. Medical equipment is very expensive, but there is no reason Tasmanian patients shouldn’t have access to the best.

“You may not have heard of Barrett’s Oesophagus, however it is a relatively common condition usually caused by chronic reflux disease – many people don’t know they have it.

“These abnormal cells in the oesophagus can change over time (dysplasia) and the risk of developing oesophageal cancer becomes much higher. We have a chance to prevent cancer by destroying highly abnormal cells using the Halo RFA system.

“Unfortunately, every month we need to send patients interstate for this potentially life-saving treatment. We put them on a plane and send them away from home to undergo a treatment we could be doing at the LGH.

“If we had a Halo RFA system here in Tasmania we would be able to treat our patients locally and ultimately save more lives.

“The LGH Gastroenterology Department are very grateful to the Clifford Craig Foundation for its support in raising $50,000 to purchase a Halo RFA system for the Launceston General Hospital.

“My wish this Christmas is for your support in this endeavour, to achieve better outcomes for future patients in your community.”

What is Barrett’s Oesophagus?

Barrett’s Oesophagus is a pre-cancerous condition of the oesophagus that results from acid induced injury and inflammation.

These pre-cancerous changes are called dysplasia, and patients with high-grade dysplasia have a 10% chance of progressing to cancer each year it is left untreated.

Overall, patients with Barrett’s oesophagus are 70-times more likely to develop oesophageal cancer.

What are the treatment options?

The previous standard treatment of pre-cancerous changes in the oesophagus was surgery to remove the affected oesophagus.

However, this type of surgery is associated with significant post- surgical side effects – including death.

An endoscopic procedure, Radiofrequency Ablation is considered the most effective and minimally invasive treatment for Barrett’s Oesophagus with high-grade dysplasia.

For people at risk of developing oesophageal cancer, this is their best hope.

How does the HALO RFA system work?

A safe and effective endoscopic procedure, the HALO RFA system uses high-energy radio waves to burn and destroy pre-cancerous cells.

A balloon-based electrode is used to eradicate any pre-cancerous cells circumferentially within the oesophagus.

The procedure takes about 45 minutes, it can be performed in an outpatient setting and only requires routine sedation.

Unlike more invasive surgeries, Radiofrequency Ablation requires minimal recovery time, resulting in better outcomes for patients.

The Clifford Craig Foundation is committed to securing this vital piece of equipment for the hospital and we hope you will help us grant this Christmas wish by supporting us.