HOSPITAL NEWS
New surgical software at
North West Private Hospital
New medical technology has arrived at North West
Private Hospital to enhance the expanding surgical
services at the site.
Olympus 4K imaging systems have been installed in the
hospital’s five operating theatres, which will assist surgeons
during non-invasive keyhole procedures.
North West Private Hospital CEO Chris Murphy said: “As time
goes by technology becomes more sophisticated, so it was
timely for us to upgrade our systems. The benefit is that all our
key specialists are able to access the technology.”
Surgeons will be able to apply greater precision during
procedures, with the technology providing the ability to produce
3D images for some procedures.
It also has the capability to change the lighting within specific
operating fields to give surgeons more defined images of blood
vessels and nerves.
“It minimises the chance of potential nerve damage and/
or accidental injury to blood vessels when they’re doing
procedures, which also reduces blood loss,” Mr Murphy said.
The technology will benefit multiple specialties, including
general surgery, ear, nose and throat, obstetrics and
gynaecology, orthopaedics, head and neck surgery and urology.
The imaging software will also be installed in two new operating
theatres, which are being constructed at the hospital as part of
a $50 million dollar redevelopment.
Skin cancer treatment arrives in Cairns
One of the most effective skin cancer surgical treatments is now available for skin cancer sufferers in Cairns.
The treatment, known as Mohs Micrographic Surgery (Mohs
Surgery), has commenced at Cairns Day Surgery and is a highly
specialised treatment for the total removal of skin cancers.
Dr Simon Tucker has brought the procedure to the region and
is the only approved Mohs Micrographic Surgeon north of
Brisbane, making him one of the most remote Mohs surgeons
in the world.
“We have the highest skin cancer rates in the world, but
people up here don’t have access to the best treatment –
that’s always seemed very unfair to me,” Dr Tucker said.
The procedure involves removing microscopic layers of the
patient’s skin around the cancer. The skin is immediately
examined while the patient waits, to determine whether the
skin cancer has been completely removed.
If it hasn’t, the surgeon removes the remaining section of skin
and the pathology process is repeated.
“So, what you get is the highest cure rate, with the smallest
hole because we’ve taken a narrower margin. This becomes
important with facial skin cancers, where there’s not much
spare skin,” Dr Tucker said.
The surgery works for basal and squamous cell cancers (BCCs
and SCCs) and has a 99% success rate. It also reduces the
need for additional treatment and ensures minimal scaring.
Far North Queensland has the highest rates of skin cancers
per capita in the world. The new procedure will prevent skin
care patients needing to travel to receive surgical treatment.
Cairns Private Hospital CEO Ben Tooth said: “I am delighted
with our continued expansion of specialist services to the
region, negating the need for patients to fly to Brisbane
for surgery.”
Dr Tucker is expected to complete around 400 Mohs
procedures each year.
Based on a starting salary of $50,000 and a starting account balance of $50,000, HESTA has delivered
$56,437 more than the average retail super fund over the past 15 years.*
Lower fees and higher investment earnings mean more money for your future.
8 The Ramsay Way 2019 | 02
“I want a super fund
that puts more money
in my pocket.”
Angie Monk,
Midwife
*Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance and should never be the sole factor considered when selecting a fund. Comparisons modelled by SuperRatings, commissioned by HESTA
and show average differences in net benefit of the main balanced options of HESTA and retail funds tracked by SuperRatings, with a 3 (144 funds), 10 (73 funds) and 15 (45 funds) year performance history, taking
into account historical earnings and fees – excluding contribution, entry, exit and additional adviser fees – of main balanced options. Outcomes vary between individual funds. Modelling as at 30 June 2018.
See hesta.com.au/superraterassumptions for more details about modelling calculations and assumptions. Issued by H.E.S.T. Australia Ltd ABN 66 006 818 695 AFSL 235249, the Trustee of Health Employees Superannuation Trust Australia
(HESTA) ABN 64 971 749 321. This information is of a general nature. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or specific needs so you should look at your own financial position and requirements before making a
decision. You may wish to consult an adviser when doing this. Before making a decision about HESTA products you should read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (call 1800 813 327 or visit hesta.com.au/pds for a copy), and consider
any relevant risks (hesta.com.au/understandingrisk).
HESTA-Testimonials-AngieMonk-265x206.indd 1 24/4/19 2:44 pm