Specialists support Fijian community

Specialists from St Andrew's Ipswich Private Hospital in Queensland recently travelled to Fiji to help patients and share their expertise with the local community.

Orthopaedic surgeons Dr PeterBrazeland Dr PraveenVijaysegaran, along withanaesthetist DrAndrewJorgensen,spent a week visiting patients, performingsurgeriesand working with local surgeons at Suva's Colonial War Memorial Hospital.

Dr Brazel, the medical advisory committee chairman at St Andrew's, said the team was pleased to share its knowledge and experience.

"The visit included ward rounds, visitingoutpatientsand working with local surgeons on about30surgeries," he said.

"During the week, we saw more than 120 patients.

"It was wonderful to be able to support the community,who welcomedus with open arms."

The trio also supports Pacific Island communities throughout the year by holding weekly conference calls to discuss cases with Fijian surgeons.

Dr Brazel, who was on his15th surgicaloutreach trip, saidit was great to be joined by DrVijaysegaran, who first attended an outreach trip as a registrar,and Dr Jorgensen.

"They are the future ofhealthcare,and it was wonderful to be able to travel with them and watch them helping so many," he said.

"We are all looking forward toreturning next year."

Thetripwas supported by theAustralian Orthopaedic Association outreach board,Ramsay Health Care'sSt Andrew's Ipswich Private Hospital, The McBain Foundation, Smith & Nephew, Stryker, LMT &Palocos.

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