Ramsay Newsroom

Dr Tina Yarong is one of two paediatricians at a 300-bed hospital in PNG and has experienced cardiac issues since childhood. As symptoms intensified, Dr Yarong was told that surgery was required but not available in her home nation. 

Lake Macquarie Private Hospital Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Dr Ross Mejia, said he was pleased to help.

“Tina’s mitral valve was heavily diseased and without the surgery she would likely get more and more short of breath and then go into heart failure. On average her life expectancy without surgery would have been three to five years,” Dr Mejia explained.

“When I received the letter asking if I’d be able to help Tina, I approached (Lake Macquarie Private Hospital CEO) Sharon Rewitt who was very willing. I then approached several other doctors, who all agreed without hesitation to do the surgery pro bono and Medtronic kindly donated the valve.

“It was fulfilling to be able to use our abilities and resources at Lake Macquarie Private Hospital to help someone in need of this challenging surgery. This procedure is something we do regularly, but I understand it’s not available in PNG.”

Dr Yarong said she and her family rejoiced at the news.

“Over the last two years, I progressively became symptomatic with increased tiredness and atrial fibrillations. Surgery wasn't available in PNG so I sought quotations from the Philippines and India,” Dr Yarong said.

“In the process of fundraising for the surgery, a colleague in PNG reached out to (Hunter Valley doctor) Professor John Fergusson who contacted Dr Mejia and the arrangements that have since come to pass are a blessing.”

Dr Yarong is now undergoing rehabilitation and looking forward to returning home. 

“I am looking forward to reuniting with my sons and family. I also plan to return to work and continue providing child health specialist services. 

“My family and I are indebted to Professor John Ferguson and Dr Mejia for initiating this journey of mine. It has been an amazing experience.”

Lake Macquarie Private Hospital CEO Sharon Rewitt said she was pleased the hospital could help Dr Yarong. 

“We’re proud to help Hunter region locals each and every day, and it was wonderful to be able to extend that help to Dr Yarong.”