rhinology. Teaching is also provided for both the University of New South Wales and Notre Dame medical students. Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery The Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Maxillofacial Surgery at St Vincent’s Hospital is involved in the provision of a comprehensive service for patients with a multitude of conditions. A multidisciplinary approach to treatment results in the highest level of reconstructive surgical care for patients with a variety of conditions including skin cancer, head and neck cancer, breast cancer, sarcoma, complex traumatic wounds and soft tissue deficiencies (abdominal wall, chest wall, orthopaedics). Microsurgical reconstruction is of great benefit in the management of these conditions and serves to offer the patient the full range of treatment options. An integrated maxillofacial trauma service is provided for patients with facial injury and post-traumatic deformities. The clinical research of the department has resulted in a number of innovative publications. The planning and establishment of a telemedicine consultative service, for remote patient access and follow-up, should offer better access and better care. Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery The department provides a comprehensive service for diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Advanced laparoscopic techniques, endoscopic ultrasound and the da Vinci Surgical System are used where appropriate to assist both diagnosis and treatment. Urology The department consists of seven urologists covering the breadth of urological endeavours including oncology, reconstructive urology and urinary calculi. Benign prostatic hyperplasia treatments are performed, with expertise in laser therapy, infertility and impotence work. Outpatient investigations include urodynamics, cystoscopy, transrectal and transperineal biopsies and outpatient chemotherapy. Complex kidney work includes partial nephrectomy and laparoscopic renal work. With particular expertise in robotics and laparoscopic surgery, the department has close collaborations with the radiotherapy, medical oncology, and x-ray departments, 78
St Vincents & Mater Health Sydney
as well as a strong research collaboration with the Garvan Institute of Medical Research.
services at St Vincent’s Hospital with the Garvan Institute’s internationally acclaimed cancer research.
Trauma Service
The major funding source for the KCC is the Commonwealth Government, with other funds coming from a variety of sources, the most significant of whom is reflected in the name of the Centre. The Australian Cancer Research Foundation’s (ACRF’s) funding was an important recognition of the place of the KCC in research landscape, while the ambulatory chemotherapy area, much expanded and purpose built, will benefit from a generous donation from the NELUNE Foundation and its supporters. The KCC is still hoping to secure sponsorship for its innovative Wellness Centre.
Operating in a consultative capacity, the Trauma Service reviews all major trauma patients on the day of admission, or next working day, and co-ordinates their care through the stages of admission. In 2010 the St Vincent’s Hospital Trauma Service received re-designation from NSW Health as a Major Trauma Centre for the local community. The service has subsequently received approximately 1,000 patient presentations, with approximately 120 of those with a moderate or severe injury. The service provides excellent support to all staff involved in the provision of trauma care, with regular, clinical focused education and training, including in-services on all wards. Conducted fortnightly and open to all staff, Trauma Grand Rounds provide a clinical meeting which reviews an interesting trauma presentation.
Dental The main goal of the Dental service is to optimise oral health, particularly in the elderly. Addressing the oral health needs of the elderly is essential, as oral health deficits impact on all branches of medicine and can complicate medical management and extend stays in hospital.
To ensure optimal patient flow, the service has worked with nursing and allied health to implement and educate staff on the Westmead Post Traumatic Amnesia Score, ensuring best practice head injury care.
The hospital’s strategy of providing appropriate oral and dental care for the aged is aimed at understanding an older person’s functional needs and addressing oral health education for the aged.
The service maintains a close working and referral relationship with the South Eastern Health Network and St George Hospital.
Another group with a focus on optimising oral health is the head and neck cancer cohort. These patients require a multidisciplinary approach for effective oral health management.
Cancer and Immunology Program The vision of the Cancer and Immunology Program is to provide excellence in holistic healthcare, incorporating prevention, treatment, innovation, education and research, through the optimal use of available resources. Such care needs to continue to be developed in keeping with all of the values of the organisation, which are of particular importance in the context of cancer. At a time of consolidation and strategic planning, the program continued to scope the future move of much of its services to the new Kinghorn Cancer Centre (KCC). The focus of planning has been on the translational aspects of the new centre, developing novel models of care that can quickly reflect research breakthroughs. The KCC will align the best practice cancer
The strategy of St Vincent’s Hospital to reduce the impact of potential complications of radiation therapy will be to ensure that all patients with head and neck cancer are assessed by a dentist as early as possible, an oral health baseline established and a preventive dental program initiated. It is also essential that routine monitoring of the oral cavity take place throughout treatment. Finally, as dental services play a major role in some trauma cases, the goal is to ensure timely assessment and treatment of these patients.
Haematology/Bone Marrow Transplantation The Bone Marrow Transplantation service, providing care for patients from across the state, has struggled to keep up with demand and to work within available resources. The amount of work referred to the service is testimony to its success and to the