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Outreach support for local patients

11 Apr, 2011 12:00 AM
Despite having a progressive debilitating disease, siblings Simone and Trevor Annells are living life to the fullest.

Simone was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis as a six week-old newborn, while Trevor was just one week-old.

The pair have received treatment and care from Monash Children's Southern Health since their early childhood.

This has allowed them to live life like their four brothers and sisters.

A typical morning sees the pair rise at 6am to have their ventolin, chest physiotherapy and medication before packing their lunch and heading to school.

Mum Joanne Annells said while life could be hectic, it was made easier with the help that was available.

The family has been part of Southern Health Outreach, a multidisciplinary care program which is usually only offered at major centres.

This program allows them to attend Central Gippsland Health Service, Sale twice a year, instead of travelling four times a year to Melbourne.

"(Being able to head to Sale) just makes it a lot easier then travelling to Melbourne, both on the family and financially," Mrs Annells said.

But Ronald McDonald House Clayton has become like "our second home".

"It is a great facility and they treat you like it is your home," Mrs Annells said.

"You get to meet lots of different families down there who are going through similar things."

Professor Nick Freezer travels to Sale as part of the program and said he also meets with his patients' local paediatricians.

"It saves patients having to come to the Monash children's (facility) four times a year," Prof Freezer said.

"These clinics enable patients to be seen locally, which reduces the amount of time off work and travel burden of attending clinics in Melbourne."

The specialist team travels to Sale twice a year with a doctor, physiotherapist, dietician, social worker and a scientist to measure lung function and determine a patient's current health level.

Simone is now in year 12 and while she admits she has missed plenty of school because of her illness, she has high hopes to forge a career in cabinet making and interior design.

According to Ms Annells, the early years of the condition were a struggle, particularly for Trevor who has had problems with weight gain, but now the pair are doing great.

"Trevor had problems with poor weight gain and recurrent chest infections, but since the Monash team inserted a gastronomy feeding tube when he was two he has maintained his weight," she said.

"Although it is exhausting with two sick children and four other kids, it has made my family stronger.

"I am full of praise for my two troopers."

And Trevor proudly boasts that he is "now the third tallest in my class".

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Despite having a progressive debilitating disease, siblings Simone and Trevor Annells, pictured with Professor Nick Freezer, are living life to the fullest.
Despite having a progressive debilitating disease, siblings Simone and Trevor Annells, pictured with Professor Nick Freezer, are living life to the fullest.

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