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The Ramsay Way - Winter 2017

In May, Hollywood Private Hospital became the first healthcare facility in Australia to use a new directional system to perform Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and more effectively reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and Essential Tremor (ET). DBS is known for its ability to help individuals with PD to regain dexterity and mobility, restoring their independence. The treatment also reduces the patient’s need for medication. In ET, it suppresses tremor to the extent where people can lead normal lives again. Ben Murphy being photographed by The Courier Mail. Strathfield doctor tees up with Olympian to show parents how to survive sporting injuries The Ramsay Way 2017 | 02 11 HOSPITAL NEWS Hollywood delivers an Australian first in the treatment for Parkinson’s Disease Using the directional system, the procedure involves mild electrical impulses which are generated by a stimulator that is implanted around the chest in a similar way to a pacemaker. The electrical stimulation travels along thin wires called leads to specific areas of the brain to target symptoms. Neurologist, Dr Julian Rodrigues, and Neurosurgeon, Professor Stephen Lewis, performed the surgery at Hollywood. Professor Jens Volkmann from Germany and one of the world’s leading authorities on DBS, was also in attendance. Dr Rodrigues said “We previously weren’t able to deliver precise electrical signals through DBS. By using the new directional system to steer the current we can provide a more personalised therapy and can redirect the current post operatively as patients’ symptoms develop.” “The treatment is far more targeted and side effects caused by unwanted stimulation to neighbouring brain areas can be avoided. I’m looking forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on patients’ quality of life.” Hollywood Chief Executive Officer, Peter Mott, added “This advancement in DBS further enhances our reputation as one of the State’s leading providers of neurological services.” Hollywood was the first private hospital in Western Australia to offer DBS. Dr Rodrigues and Professor Volkmann measure the patient’s responsiveness during surgery. Dr Herald, who was recently a reviewing surgeon for the British Medical Journal (orthopaedics); said he was delighted work with Tonegato, who has become one of the familiar faces of Women’s Rugby Sevens across the globe after receiving a well-earned Olympic Gold Medal in Rio last year. “Emma is a wonderful ambassador for sports and kids - and growing up with three brothers knows how to deal with the rough and tumble of sporting mishaps!” The series of videos are now available on the Ramsay Docs You Tube channel. Rugby 7s Olympian Emma Tonegato and Dr Herald (inset) prove that even tough kids need to navigate sporting injuries. How can you tell the difference between an ankle sprain and a break? How do you take a fall on the football field? And how do you put on a bra with chronic arthritis pain? Strathfield and Westmead Private Hospital Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Jonathan Herald has teamed up with Rugby 7s Olympic Gold Medallist Emma Tonegato to offer answers to these common dilemmas, in a series of educational videos to help parents and kids navigate the pitfalls of coming sporting and orthopaedic injuries. The videos include everything from how to change a sling to how to perform everyday tasks like changing a dressing after surgery - or dressing with arthritis pain. Every day I get asked the same questions by my patients. How do I change a sling? Can I do it myself or do I have to go to the GP? So we thought it would be great to provide some preventative injury strategies and post-surgery exercises and procedures on YouTube. “The videos also offer insider tips on how to take a fall on the field (a shoulder is better than falling on outstretched arms); and how to catch the ball (softy spooned fingers, not outstretched fingers).” BABY RUSH FOR STATE OF ORIGIN There was a last-minute baby rush before the first State of Origin match of 2017 at Greenslopes Private Hospital. A record 33 babies were born at the Hospital in the week leading up to the most popular event on Queensland’s sporting calendar. One of those newborns was Ben Murphy, who comes from a family of Maroons supporters, and is already receiving an education on the football game that pits state against state. Ben’s big brother Fraser was also born at Greenslopes Maternity two years ago. GREENslopes Maternity underwent a patriotic colour change to coincide with State of Origin, temporarily becoming MAROONslopes Maternity. More than 4,200 little Queenslanders have been born at Greenslopes Private Hospital since the maternity ward opened in 2013.


The Ramsay Way - Winter 2017
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