Big Medicine

Canberra ACT--Children all around Australia suffering from the effects of Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) will have more support from January 1st thanks to the commencement of a new program.

EB is a rare, debilitating genetic disease characterised by extremely fragile skin and blisters, which occur spontaneously or following even slight contact or friction.

EB most commonly affects children, and treatment involves the constant management of wounds and blisters and protection of the fragile skin from trauma or infections.

BrightSky Australia, a division of the Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Association of New South Wales, has been selected to implement and manage the Rudd Government’s National Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) Dressing Scheme.

The Rudd Government committed $16.4 million in the last budget to establish a scheme to provide dressings to people affected by this condition. This scheme will complement existing services provided by state governments through hospitals.

EB is painful, difficult to manage and the impact on families can be financially devastating.

The new scheme will improve access to specialised dressings and bandages, which can cost up to $5,000 per month. It will support families who are most in need in meeting these costs.

The dressings help to reduce infections, complications and unnecessary hospitalisations and improve quality of life.

The scheme commences on January 1st, when people with EB will be able to apply for subsidised dressings, with assistance from their treating health professional.

Patients, in conjunction with health professionals, will be able to assess their eligibility through guidelines available from www.ebdressings.com.au at the commencement of the program.

BrightSky will provide educational resources to people with EB and appropriate health professionals and clinics as well as administrative support for the program

The required dressings will be delivered to eligible patients’ homes for a monthly payment of $33.30 for general patients and $5.40 for concession patients.

EB sufferers in each State and Territory are available for interviews and photographs.