Developing visiting surgical services for rural and remote Australian communities.
The University Department of Surgery at Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre (Perth, Western Australia) has undertaken a pilot project to provide surgical services to country communities where no such service exists. Three surgeons undertake a regular schedule of appointments, and are accompanied by final-year medical students to give them experience with common conditions rarely managed in teaching hospitals. The service is supported by a central administrative office and coordinated by a general practitioner, who negotiates with the regional healthcare providers. Patients are referred by their general practitioner, who may work with the surgeon as anaesthetist or surgical assistant.
Kierath
A
A
University of Western Australia, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Perth.
Hamdorf
J M
JM
House
A K
AK
House
J
J
D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D001315:Australia; D003153:Community Health Services; D006801:Humans; D012423:Rural Health