Plastic surgeries begin today

The first batch of surgeries is expected to be performed from today, and Health Minister John Rahael said the ministry and North Central Regional Health Authority will continue to assist those whose conditions require them to go abroad for surgery.

The minister met briefly with some of the patients at the EWMSC skin clinic and held a briefing to introduce the media to the surgical team. The team is headed by Dr Peter Saxby, senior plastic surgeon, who set up the Plastic Surgery Unit at Exeter, Devon, England along with a colleague.

Drs Richard Telford (an anaesthetist) and Caroline Lawson are also on the team. Surgery will be coordinated by Dr Roopnarine Lalla of EWMSC.

Based on the screening that has already been done, Saxby said there were patients in need of surgery to correct cleft palates, congenital facial abnormalities and burns "which cause terrible problems." While operations on burn injuries can be time consuming, Saxby said attempts would be made to treat as many as possible.

Saxby said patients will be put into categories depending on the urgency of their need. He said the visit by the doctors was motivated by their interest in working in less developed countries and "doing a bit of good and seeing the world."