An Australian first — delivered together, right here in Timboon

We’re incredibly proud to share that Timboon and District Healthcare Service has become the first health service in Australia to implement the Abionic AbioScope® Pancreatic Stone Protein (PSP) point-of-care sepsis test into everyday clinical practice.

Following an eight-week clinical evaluation conducted in close collaboration with Getz Healthcare, this innovative technology is now supporting our clinicians in detecting sepsis earlier than ever before.

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can progress rapidly if not identified early.

The AbioScope delivers lab-quality results in around 7 minutes from a single drop of blood and can identify rising risk up to 72 hours earlier than traditional indicators—giving clinicians timely, evidence-based insights when every minute counts.

For our small rural community, this Australian-first means:

–Earlier diagnosis and faster decision-making

–Increased clinical confidence

–Fewer transfers to regional centres

–More people receiving advanced care close to home

This milestone reflects the dedication of our clinical teams, the strength of our partnership with Getz Healthcare, and a shared commitment to value-based, consumer-centred care.

By working together, we’re showing that rural health services can lead innovation and deliver world-class care right here in Timboon.

TDHS Nurse Unit Manager Jody and Associate Nurse Unit Manager Bianca recently had the privilege of presenting at the Safer Care Victoria Sepsis Collaborative in Melbourne, where they showcased the achievements and progress of sepsis care at TDHS.

This collaboration brings together smaller health services and larger hospitals from around Victoria, with one shared goal: improving the recognition and prompt treatment of sepsis, a life-threatening condition, and strengthening outcomes for the communities we serve. At the start of this 12-month project, we set a clear aim: to ensure all consumers presenting to our Urgent Care Centre with suspected sepsis receive the right care within 60 minutes, with a target of 100% compliance by June 2026. Achieving this goal will reduce harm, improve survival, and deliver safer, more reliable care for our catchment.

Since the project began, we’ve already seen remarkable improvements. Consumers are better informed about their diagnosis and treatment plans. Staff recognition of sepsis has grown significantly, ensuring quicker, more effective care. Importantly, we’re supporting consumers to stay involved in their care decisions — including their desire to remain local for treatment wherever safely possible.

For our community and wider catchment, this work means faster access to life-saving care, improved health outcomes, and the confidence that high-quality, evidence-based treatment is available close to home.

This initiative marks an important step forward in empowering both staff and consumers to work together for the best outcomes.