VISITING AUSTRALIAN SURGICAL TEAM IN WESTERN FOR 2 WKS

The visiting surgical team is part of the same visiting program.

A visiting Australian surgical team is spending two weeks in Western Province where they are providing consultations and treatment for people with medical and general surgical conditions.

The team led by surgeons Dr Fred Boseto and Doctor Ian Elbourne, supported by anaesthetist Dr David Collins, provided free consultations and surgery at Helena Goldie Hospital in Munda on 11-12 April and are currently at the Gizo Hospital where they will be working until the 23rd of this month.

The visit is funded by the Australian Government and arranged by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Andrew Byrne says the medical teams have been visiting the Solomon Islands for many years to provide free medical consultations and surgery to help people.

He says the medical team gives Solomon Islanders the chance for specialist medical consultations and treatment not readily available in Western Province. Not only do they make a difference to the people they treat and operate on, they also boost the skills of local doctors and nurses at the hospital, which leaves a lasting legacy.”

Mr Byrne says, the visit is one of several specialist medical visits made every year to Solomon Islands and is a very important part of Australia’s ongoing assistance to the people and Government of Solomon Islands.

People in Western Province are encouraged to contact their local health care centre or health care worker to be referred to see the visiting medical team.