OVER 80 paediatric patients have been screened and have had surgical procedures performed to them at the National Referral Hospital by the visiting Australia Medical Team.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services said the team which comprises of two surgeons, two anaesthetists, an operating room nurse and a paediatric surgery nurse, have been in Honiara since November 22nd 2022 working with our local surgeons to perform specialised and complex surgical procedures on the paediatric patients.
Paediatric patients are infants, children and young adults.
The team screened children born with abnormal anus (anorectal anomalies) and cannot pass stool normally, those with abnormal bowel, constipation issues, abnormal urinary systems and other medical complications.
“It is expected by the end of their visit on 2nd December a total of 30 plus major surgeries will be performed and tens of minor cases to be addressed,” the Ministry said in a statement today.
The group’s team leader Professor David Croaker said Australia Medical Team is pleased to be in the country assisting Solomon Islands surgeons performed these important and critical surgeries.
Professor Croaker said these surgeries could cost families dearly to receive overseas.
He said the team also shared critical knowledge and skills through hands-on training and presentations to the local surgeons.
“…hope that these will go a long way to preserving the health and lives of paediatric patients after we leave,” Professor Croaker said as he thanked John James Foundation for making their brief trip possible.
National Referral Hospital Head of General Surgery Dr Rooney Jagilly said the team provided high quality specialised care in paediatric surgery – a service that is not available at NRH.
However, he said by working alongside the visiting team, the local team’s capacity is being enhanced.
“It is a joy to see the children and their parents happy with the outcome of receiving life changing surgeries,” Dr Jagilly said.
NRH Chief Executive Officer Dr George Malefoasi took the opportunity to also thank John James Foundation for sponsoring the Australia Medical Team’s visit to Honiara.
Dr Malefoasi said many of the paediatric patients have been waiting for this opportunity because “travelling overseas for some is simply out of the question”.
“Travelling overseas to receive such surgeries is costly and many families would not be able to afford it. Therefore thank you Professor Croaker and your team for your willingness to travel to Honiara to assist us with your specialities and expertise,” Dr Malefoasi said.
The John James Foundation is based in Canberra, Australia and was established to improve health outcomes within and beyond Canberra.
Professor Croaker and his team also provide pro bono specialist treatment to several paediatric surgical patients referred by ROMAC in the Solomon Islands that receive treatment in Canberra, Australia over the last ten years.
The visiting team will be look into securing a formal program to train local surgeon to sub-specialise in paediatric surgery following discussions with Dr Malefoasi and the executive management.
Meanwhile, plans are being made for two similar visits to be made in April and October next year by Australia Medical Team to the NRH.
