North West Hospital and Health Service (HHS) is pleased to share the success of a collaboration with Metro South HHS to enhance the surgical services provided to North West residents.

This innovative partnership has allowed North West HHS to ensure continuous surgical coverage in Mount Isa, with surgeons from Metro South HHS having a unique opportunity to work in the North West region on a rotational basis.

Health Service Chief Executive Sean Birgan said the collaborative initiative was one of the innovative ways the health service was adapting to the changing environment of today’s healthcare needs.

“By leveraging the expertise and resources of Metro South HHS, North West HHS has been able to provide uninterrupted services to our patients, while also supporting the career progression and experiences of our surgeons from metro cities,” Mr Birgan said.

“This approach showcases the power of partnership in overcoming workforce challenges by creating opportunities, and we look forward to extending this collaboration until the end of January 2024.”

This collaboration was made possible thanks to the vision of Dr Sanjeev Naidu, Metro South HHS Surgical Stream Lead and Queensland State Chair of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, who is passionate about ensuring sustainable surgical services exist in rural and remote areas.

“This level of collaboration between health services is the first of its kind in Queensland, with eight surgeons and fellows rotating to Mount Isa to support Dr Francis Asomah, the Director of Surgery,” he said.

“I believe this arrangement is an exemplar of what providing a sustainable rural surgical service looks like in remote regions going forward, which is very exciting to be a part of.”

Dr Sandun Abeyasundara is one of the general surgeons from Metro South HHS who jumped at the opportunity to work in the North West for one week every month, sharing that it was a great opportunity and learning experience.

“I wanted to come to Mount Isa as I am passionate about emergency general surgery. I find my time here very rewarding and working in such an isolated environment with minimal resources is really eye-opening,” Dr. Abeyasundara said.

“The community here really appreciate the services you provide, and I feel I am really making a difference.”

By sharing resources and expertise, both health services have demonstrated their commitment to providing high-quality healthcare to patients through an agile and connected health system.