Central Coast Haematology

06/12/2025

Our thoughts are with all our fellow Coasties affected by the horrendous fire at Koolewong yesterday. For any of our patients who have been affected please reach out for our help with supplying prescriptions, medications etc.

23/08/2025

Update regarding the availablility of Pegasys in Australia: The Department of Health has advised that PBS reimbursement of Irish Pegasys® will commence from September 1st, 2025.
The supply of Irish labelled Pegasys® will predominantly be 180 mcg strength, as previously communicated, which will impact patients routinely prescribed the 135 mcg strength. Graduation marks exist at the 90 mcg, 135 mcg and 180 mcg doses, which is the same as the Australian labelled Pegasys®.
Patients who require a new script for 180 mcg should contact their treating haematologist as soon as possible.
All Australian patients on Pegasys® will continue to receive their supply via JustMeds until Australian supplies of Pegasys® return to normal (late 2025).

Pegylated interferon alfa-2a Home Delivery Program How to access Pegylated interferon alfa-2a 4th August 2025 - New update from ECHO TherapeuticsRE: Update on Pegasys® shortage and supply of S19A Irish labelled Pegasys®Echo Therapeutics, the supplier of  PEGASYS® peginterferon alfa-2a 135 mcg...

23/08/2025

MPN AA, in partnership with the University of Western Australia School of Biomedical Sciences and Royal Perth Hospital, is proudly presenting an MPN Education Symposium. The symposium will be all day on Saturday 25 October, WA time. It is free to attend in person or online.
Central Coast Haematology encourages all their patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms to attend this event. Details can be found at

Learn and connect with MPN patients, clinicians, and researchers on what does optimal diagnosis and management of MPNs look like in 2025.

21/05/2025

For our MPN patients on peginterferon here is a link to the latest update on Pegasys supplies in Australia.

Haematologist Dr Cecily Forsyth and MPN AA advocate Nathalie Cook OAM have prepared an explanatory video for patients about the current Australian Pegasys supply. The video addresses the current and future supply issues and outlines strategies for patients and their haematologists to minimise any pr...

21/04/2025

Rare Cancers Australia is conducting the first-ever Rare Cancer Experience Survey, a national initiative to better understand and quantify the lived experiences of people with cancer in Australia, with a focus on those facing rare and less common cancers.
To participate please access the survey via the QR code on the attached flyer.

24/03/2025

The Therapeutic Goods Administration Medicine Shortage Reports database states that there is an anticipated shortage of Pegasys in Australia from June to September 2025.
It is very important that all patients on Pegasys discuss with their haematologist how their MPN will be managed if Pegasys is not available in Australia for 2-3 months later this year.
Below is a link to Dr Cecily Forsyth and MPN AA team member and advocate Nathalie Cook, OAM, discussing the Pegasys shortage and management strategies patients might like to consider.

Haematologist Dr Cecily Forsyth is interviewed by MPN patient and advocate Nathalie Cook, OAM about a possible upcoming shortage of Pegasys in Australia

27/04/2024

A campaign to raise awareness about ‘cancer related fatigue’ and a digital intervention to help overcome it has been launched by the Leukaemia Foundation. The Leukaemia Foundation’s digital energy coach is part of its ‘online blood cancer support service’ designed to support the rising number of Australians impacted by blood cancer.
It provides new and existing patients access to the Leukaemia Foundation anytime and anywhere, with the ability to learn more about their symptoms and find practical steps to help them live well with blood cancer both during treatment and in the years that follow. Click the link below to access the Leukaemia Foundation's Online Blood Cancer Support Service.

The Leukaemia Foundation’s Online Blood Cancer Support Service is designed to assist patients and carers with navigating blood cancer in a personalised way.

14/02/2024

Jacqui Jagger, haematology nurse practitioner at CCH and CCLHD, is taking part in the Leukaemia Foundation's World's Greatest Shave. If you'd like to sponsor her please use the Leukaemia Foundation link by clicking on the image below.

I’m taking part in to help beat blood cancer! Please donate to me today.

23/12/2023

Season's Greetings to all our patients and their families. Central Coast Haematology will reopen on 2 January. If any of our patients need to contact us over the Christmas-New Year holiday period please email us on blood.doc@healthemail.com.au. For urgent medical attention please consider presenting to the emergency department of your local hospital.
We hope everyone has a happy and healthy holiday period. 🎅🎄

11/11/2023

COVID-19 cases are increasing in our community. People with blood cancers are at risk of severe infection and hence we suggest our patients consider:
1. Stay uptodate with vaccinations
2. Wear a mask
3. Perform a COVID-19 rapid antigen test if you have symptoms of infections
4. Contact your doctor or CCH for antiviral medications if you test positive
5. Stay home when unwell
The orange line on the graph below shows the increasing number of presntations to NSW hospitals with COVID-19 over the last fortnight. 💉😷🧴

15/10/2023

Central Coast Haematology are participating in the INDEPENDENCE Trial which is now enrolling patients with transfusion-dependent anaemia from MPN-associated MF who are on JAK2 inhibitor therapy. We are happy to be contacted about this trial.

08/10/2023

ATAGI has recommended that all adults ≥75 yrs should receive an additional 2023 COVID-19 vaccine dose if 6 months has passed since their last dose.
ATAGI also state that adults aged 18 to 64 yrs with severe immunocompromise consider an additonal 2023 COVID-19 vaccine dose if 6 months has passed since their last dose.
Central Coast Haematology encourage all pts to follow the advice from ATAGI. 💉🧴😷

Recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) regarding an additional COVID-19 dose for highest risk people in 2023. These recommendations are in addition the previous ATAGI COVID-19 vaccine booster advice published in February 2023.