Australian urologists assist Tonga [1]
Friday, November 27, 2015 - 16:54. Updated on Friday, November 27, 2015 - 16:55.
A specialist urology team from Australia with local health staff provided free diagnostic and treatment services at Vaiola Hospital from November 17-23.
The team, which included a surgeon, anesthetist and nurse, focussed on developing the skills of Tonga’s surgical and nursing team to deliver urology services locally by providing training and mentoring for Tongan staff. Urology is a surgical speciality that deals with the treatment of conditions involving the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs.
Dr Donald Moss, a consultant urologist from Ballarat, Victoria, who was on his third visit to Tonga, said he could see the skills gained from previous visits continued to be practiced by Vaiola hospital staff.
"By improving both diagnostic and treatment services available locally, this can reduce the time between diagnosis and treatment and save costs on travel and treatment overseas. These are all important factors for successful health outcomes."
Local surgeon Dr Kolini Vaea said they had improved their surgical techniques and practices.
"We have improved our ability to diagnose patients and discuss their treatment options. We have also improved our post-operative care which all leads to better health care for our patients," he said.
Part of a Pacific Islands Program (PIP) that first visited Tonga in 2003, the specialist consultations and non-surgical advice have been provided to more than 450 people and 250 patients have received potentially lifesaving treatments since then.