Generous donation brings life-changing lung cancer equipment to the Border
Pillar 4 Equipment in Action
Border residents facing lung cancer benefit from more accurate and timely diagnosis, thanks to the purchase of advanced medical equipment for Albury Wodonga Health. Made possible through the generosity of a local donor Jenny Horne and the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund, this life-saving boost in lung cancer care has arrived on the Border.
Valued at $313,000, the new Ultrasound Processor and Ultrasonic Hybrid Bronchoscope are now in use at Albury Wodonga Health’s respiratory unit. The specialised tools will significantly improve the accuracy of lung cancer staging and diagnosis, allowing patients to access cutting-edge care without the need to travel to metropolitan centres.
“This is a game-changer for our clinical team and our patients,” said Dr James Robertson, Respiratory Physician at Albury Wodonga Health. “The equipment enables us to perform Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) procedures with much greater precision, meaning we can detect and treat lung cancer earlier and more effectively.”
Lung cancer remains one of the most challenging cancers in the region. Accounting for 9% of all cancers and 17% of cancer-related deaths locally. Albury Wodonga Health currently conducts over 230 EBUS procedures annually. The new technology not only improves diagnostic accuracy but also allows the service to grow to meet increasing demand.
Albury Wodonga Health CEO Bill Appleby acknowledged the significance of the donation. “We are incredibly grateful to the Trust Fund and Jenny Horne. Investments like this make a real difference in the lives of people living with cancer on the Border,” he said.
Jenny Horne expressed happiness in supporting such a meaningful cause. “I’m honoured to be part of something that will have such a lasting and life-changing impact. My goal in donating was all about supporting better cancer care for our community,” she said.
The Trust Fund and Albury Wodonga Health have worked closely for more than a decade to ensure local cancer patients can access world-class care close to home. “This partnership means families don’t have to travel long distances for vital procedures,” said Trust Fund Chair Michelle Hensel. “It saves time, reduces emotional strain and leads to better health outcomes.”
Trust Fund Manager Andrew Mackinlay also extended thanks. “The support from our community, including this incredible donation from Jenny, continues to amaze us,” he said. “This equipment arrived when it was needed most and will benefit hundreds of patients every year.”
The investment marks another milestone in the Trust Fund’s vision to ensure every person in our community can have access to high quality cancer treatment and support services close to home and to their loved ones.
