A visiting Australian volunteer surgical team will spend two weeks in Western Province later this month providing free consultations and treatment for people with medical or general surgical conditions.

The team of surgeons Dr Fred Boseto and Professor Philip Crowe, supported by anaesthetist Dr Anthony Hull, will provide free consultations and surgery at Helena Goldie Hospital in Munda on 27 - 28 September and Gizo Hospital on 29 September - 5 October 2013.

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

Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Matt Anderson said medical teams have been visiting the Solomon Islands for many years to provide free medical consultations and surgery to help people.

“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.”

“The visit by the medical team 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 should contact your local health care centre or health care worker to be referred to see the visiting medical team.

The Australian Government funds around 50 surgical visiting teams to Pacific Island countries every year. This programis managed by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, fills gaps in local medical services and provides on-the-job training to local medical staff.

 

Press Release: Australian High Commission Office, Honiara, Solomon Islands