Press Release

Baxter Healthcare’s $12m compounding facility opens in Western Sydney  

The Hon. Carmel Tebbutt, Deputy Premier and Minister for Health has today officially opened a new $12 million compounding pharmacy facility, which will supply a complete range of aseptically compounded IV preparations, including cytotoxic (chemotherapy), analgesic, antibiotic and IV parenteral nutrition.
 
David Akeroyd, ANZ Managing Director says: "compounding cancer medications and nutrition therapies has been one of our core competencies for over 25 years and replacing our existing facility will allow us to service hospitals not only in NSW but nationwide."

"Baxter has been manufacturing in Australia for over 35 years, working with government and our hospital partners to ensure provision of quality medications, manufactured in TGA accredited facilities. This current facility is another sign of Baxter's commitment to support the Australian health industry."

This investment by Baxter replaces the current facility, ensuring supply for the growing demand for compounded medications over the next decade. It will accommodate up to 150 pharmacy staff when at full capacity.

A recent Newspoll survey* found just over half of Australians, 56 per cent, would like the government to provide more funding to treat patients at home or in day surgeries where possible, rather than treat them in hospitals.

Baxter's supply of patient specific antibiotics and aseptically compounded nutritional medications in ready to use packages, allows people to undertake treatment at home.

Stephen Thompson, Director Pharmacy says: "We see self-administered home treatments of our antibiotic and nutritional medication increasing each year. Baxter is positioned to meet the needs of Australian hospital pharmacists and delivery of medications to home patients, for the next ten years with the opening of this facility today."

The company's latest investment provides aseptic compounded drug therapy to 200 public and private hospitals across Australia.

The NSW facility produces over 650,000 patient specific doses per annum, delivering these highly specialised products daily to both metropolitan and rural hospitals.This service allows many rural patients to be treated closer to their own home rather than being forced to travel into a metropolitan centre. 

*This Newspoll study was conducted by telephone in August 2010 among a representative sample of n=1201 adults aged 18+ nationally.

About Baxter International Inc.
Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures and markets products that save and sustain the lives of people with haemophilia, immune disorders, infectious diseases, kidney disease, trauma, and other chronic and acute medical conditions. As a global, diversified healthcare company, Baxter applies a unique combination of expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to create products that advance patient care worldwide.