–procedures exposed local doctors to crucial training

THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has announced the success of its recent collaboration with Northwell Health.
This collaboration, which is the third with the surgery department and the first with the anaesthesia department, resulted in significant advancements and successful outcomes over the holiday weekend of May 5-6, 2024.

During this period, 11 surgical procedures were performed, including seven inguinal hernia repairs and four complex abdominal wall reconstruction surgeries. The surgeries were conducted by visiting General Surgeons Dr. Gainosuke Sugiyama and Dr. Sebastian Shterental.

Both the general surgery and anaesthesia staff at GPHC greatly benefited from hands-on training provided by these internationally skilled surgeons and anaesthesiologists.
While the surgeries directly benefited the patients, the collaboration emphasised the teaching aspect, aimed at building capacity and enhancing skills at the GPHC.

The anaesthesia component was led by Dr Joseph Marino and Dr. Rutuja Sikachi, focusing on nerve blocks to assist in pain control for patients during their immediate recovery period.
Additionally, on May 5, 2024, a Continuing Medical Education (CME) session which was held, centred on these procedures. Following the CME, practical sessions were conducted on patients undergoing surgeries on the respective days.

All patients involved in this collaborative effort were successfully discharged and are now recovering well.

The general surgery, anaesthesia, and nursing staff at the GPHC all benefited significantly from this collaboration, gaining practical experience and knowledge from the highly skilled visiting surgeons and anaesthesiologists.

“Moreover, this successful partnership has opened the door for further collaborative efforts, including Observerships at Northwell Health Hospitals for GPHC anaesthesiologists, promising continued professional development and enhanced patient care at GPHC,” the hospital said.