Patient stories

More than 5000 Victorians are affected by burn injuries each year, but behind the statistics are real people, here are some of their stories...

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Artificial skin breakthrough for Melbourne patient

In a first-of-its-kind adult case, a Melbourne man has had his burns repaired with bioengineered skin, decreasing his need for skin grafting and significantly reducing his risk of deadly infection.

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Experts warn of hot water bottle danger

For mother-of-one Vanessa Pouthier, Sunday 14 April began like any regular day. “I got up early and thought I’d do some work. I prepared my hot water bottle and sat on the couch with my laptop,” said the university lecturer.

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Tribute to Trevor Parker

Trevor Parker, a respected and valued member of his local community, passed away in March 2016 after sustaining a burn injury from an accident on his property in Chiltern.

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Home for Christmas: Vanessa’s Story

When Vanessa Matheson and her family headed to a friend’s house for a BBQ in late November, her focus was squarely on one thing.

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Take care with hot water bottles this winter

Doctors are issuing a warning to people using hot water bottles after seeing a significant increase in patients suffering severe burns admitted to the Victorian Adult Burns Service at The Alfred.

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Authorities issue burns warning ahead of long weekend

Following a concerning spike in preventable burns injuries since December, burns specialists at The Alfred have joined forced with the CFA to issue an urgent call for action: take care around fire this Australia Day long weekend.

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Petrol burns peak on public holidays

Alarming new research from the Victorian Adult Burns Service (VABS) at The Alfred has found a clear link between petrol burn injuries and public holidays, showing petrol burns are 20 per cent more likely to occur on a public holiday.

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