Logan man denied breathing surgery that could extend MND lifespan
Aaron Reardon from Logan was refused a tracheostomy by Princess Alexandra Hospital despite evidence it extends survival.
Aaron Reardon from Logan has motor neurone disease and asked for a tracheostomy, a procedure that lets you breathe through the throat instead of the nose and mouth. The hospital refused, saying elective tracheostomy for permanent ventilation in MND is not standard practice and carries significant risks without clear evidence it improves quality of life.
Advocates say the procedure can add years to an MND sufferer's life. Andy Taylor from Newmarket had the surgery in London.
"I can have a pretty normal life expectancy now," he told supporters. "Mucus can be directly suctioned from my lungs which you can't do with a mask."
About two people die every day in Australia from MND. Reardon's family has launched a parliament petition calling for the surgery to be offered to other patients.
- Logan, Brisbane
- Patient location
- Princess Alexandra Hospital
- Hospital
- two people
- Daily MND deaths in Australia
- Saturday
- Petition deadline
Why it mattersMND patients and families are fighting for treatment options that doctors currently restrict. This raises questions about who decides what counts as quality of life.
AustraliaAustralians with MND may face fewer treatment choices than patients in other countries, and the petition pressure could force change in hospital policy.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 7 h ago
