Urology Service Provides Relief for Otago Patients

Wednesday 28 January 2009

Southland Hospital's Urology Service Provides Relief for Otago Patients

Southland Hospital’s Urology Service is working collaboratively with Otago DHB to provide elective (non urgent) prostate surgery (and much needed relief) for Otago Urology patients who have been on Dunedin Hospital’s waiting list for a considerable time.

Peter Bramley (SDHB Divisional Manager – Surgical) said the current strength of the Southland service meant it was able to assist Otago DHB in treating 16 patients with prostate complications who had been on the elective surgery waiting list for longer than recommended.

“Southland Hospital’s Urology Service is right up to date and exceeding recommended Ministry (of Health) guidelines in terms of waiting times for patients receiving their first specialist appointments and non-urgent surgical procedures.”

“Our Head of Urology and Divisional Director of Surgical Services, Mr David Tulloch, approached Otago DHB to see if we could assist with its urology patients.”

“Given the current strength of the urology service here at Southland, we were pleased to be able to provide assistance.”

Mr Tulloch said a total of 16 Otago patients underwent prostate surgery at Southland Hospital during the last fortnight, each with an average stay of two nights.

“While these procedures are categorised as non-urgent, for the patient they impact hugely on their quality of life,” he said.

“The procedures mean that many can come off certain medication and resume normal activities.”

Mr Tulloch said the Southland Service planned to continue working collaboratively with Otago DHB.

“We will offer more surgery in the future for the purposes of helping reduce the long wait for Otago patients while we have the capacity.”

ENDS

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