News

Spike in winter burns as experts urge caution

27 June 2025

As the winter chill hits, The Alfred has seen a dramatic increase in the number of patients presenting with burns sustained in the home, compared to the same time last year.

burns

patient

Artificial skin breakthrough for Melbourne patient

25 October 2024

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.

burns

clinical trials

patients

Experts warn of hot water bottle danger

25 June 2024

For mother-of-one Vanessa Pouthier, Sunday 14 April began like any regular day.

burns

patients

Petrol burns peak on public holidays 

6 June 2024

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.  

burns

research & innovation

Authorities issue burns warning ahead of long weekend

25 January 2024

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.

burns

patients

vabs

Take care with hot water bottles this winter

20 June 2023

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. 

burns

emergency & trauma

patients

Remembering Black Saturday

7 February 2022

Black Saturday was one of the worst bushfire disasters in Australian history, with 173 Victorians losing their life across over 400 individual fires.

burns

emergency & trauma

icu

Home for Christmas: Vanessa’s Story

24 December 2021

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.

burns

patients

Enjoy the BBQ, not a hospital stay this summer

21 December 2021

A spate of severe and larger than normal injuries caused by barbecues has burns experts urging caution around barbecues this summer.

burns

patients

Hot water bottle dangers reach boiling point

11 May 2021

Marie Macheras had just settled into bed, when her peace was interrupted by the sound every mother dreads – her 20 year-old son screaming in agony.

burns

patients