Dear colleagues,
Welcome to the second TPCH staff newsletter for 2020. A lot has happened since our last newsletter back in February as a result of COVID-19, so I am pleased to be able to resume our ‘new look’ newsletter and share some of the important achievements and activities of the last six months.
I express my congratulations to the entire team at TPCH for your efforts around COVID-19 which are continuing today. Your dedication and hard work have been outstanding and have supported the health and well-being of many patients as well as the broader community. You will read about one of the success stories in this newsletter.
I would like to acknowledge our Fractured Neck of Femur (NOF) Service who celebrated their 10th anniversary in April. This service has become vital in responding to the complex care requirements of elderly patients who have experienced a hip fracture. Through the work of the dedicated multidisciplinary Fractured NOF team, patients can access surgery quicker to improve health outcomes, and receive appropriate care before and after. Well done team, what a difference you make.
Earlier this year, our cardiology team performed an Australian-first mitral valve procedure that saved the life of a patient without the need for open chest surgery. The high-risk procedure took several months of extensive 3D planning and consulting with colleagues around the globe before being undertaken in March. The procedure means that other patients with mitral stenosis now have a viable treatment option into the futiure. This is another example of the great skill and innovation of our cardiology team.
The progressive work of our Whole Lung Lavage team is helping save the lives of people with silicosis. Since the beginning of this year, the team has been leading the way in silicosis treatment by performing a whole lung lavage, a procedure essentially flushes out the lungs in a three to four-hour operation to give clean and remove toxic particles. Through their innovative research and clinical skills, they are giving hope to people with a life affecting condition who could not find help anywhere else.
Keep up the great work everyone.
Kind regards,
Michele Gardner
Executive Director
TPCH