The John James Memorial Foundation visit last week has been hailed a success with almost 90 patients in the Katherine region seen by specialists.
Outpatients were seen at Katherine Hospital, Ngukurr and Beswick - including patients from Manyallaluk and Barunga. Theatre cases were generated from the outpatient clinics.
John James is a not-for-profit healthcare charity based in Canberra providing philanthropic specialist medical facilities, support and services to the Australian community.
The visit augmented the excellent work done by visiting specialists from Royal Darwin Hospital and the current staff of Katherine Hospital.
Katherine Hospital General Manager Robin Smith says the visit has won praise from staff and patients alike.
"This was a terrific example of clinical cooperation in the Northern Territory," he said.
And it won't just be a 'flash in the pan treatment', additional visits are expected throughout the year.
"We're looking forward to another John James team coming up next week to augment our regular Ear, Nose and Throat visits from Darwin. A dental team from Darwin arrives the following week to target children identified during Phase 1 of the Australian Government Intervention Child Health Checks.
"A second theatre at Katherine Hospital will be utilised to operate on children from Oenpelli and Maningrida," said Mr Smith.
Katherine Hospital remained at full operational capacity during the visits, which are aimed at reducing waiting lists for non-urgent surgery.
Media Contact: Cameron Jackson, DHCS Media Liaison Officer 0401 116 144
Release date: 29 May 2008
