Breast surgery waitlist cleared
Man in custody after street closure
CAIRNS Hospital is trying to recruit a fourth plastic surgeon to help meet the demand for breast reconstructive surgery in the Far North.
Health Minister Cameron Dick says that, as of June 30, the dozens of women who were waiting longer than clinically recommended for breast reconstruction post-mastectomy had been seen.
It was revealed that some of these women had been waiting up to 10 years for the specialist surgery through the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service.
In response to a question on notice by Dalrymple MP Shane Knuth, Mr Dick said a team of plastic surgeons from Brisbane’s Mater hospital had assisted Cairns Hospital provide four special clinics since May 18 to address the lengthy delay for the surgery.
“All women on the breast reconstruction (post-mastectomy) waitlist have been seen or will (have been) seen by June 30, 2017,” he said.
CHHHS chief executive Clare Douglas said, despite a current shortage in highly skilled plastic surgeons across Australia, all women on the waiting list were seen by the end of June so they could have more clarity about their future treatment.
“We are also currently investigating the recruitment of a fourth plastic surgeon to meet the college requirements to employ a plastic surgeon trainee,” she said.
“Cairns Hospital currently has two visiting plastic surgeons on staff and one staff specialist is due to commence by January 2018.”
She said the health service was committed to improving services for women who required breast reconstruction surgery in the Far North.
“The success of these special clinics is testimony to the great work and co-operation of our team,” she said.
Tablelands-based health campaigner and breast cancer survivor Gayle Samuel said local women were relieved to have finally been seen by doctors, but many still did not have definite dates for their reconstructive surgery.
“It’s good news that the waiting list has been whittled down, but I wish I had been able to (be treated) at Cairns Base Hospital, rather than having to go down to Brisbane,” she said.
ALL WOMEN ON THE BREAST RECONSTRUCTION (POST-MASTECTOMY) WAITLIST HAVE BEEN SEEN OR WILL (HAVE BEEN) SEEN BY JUNE 30, 2017
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A MAN was being questioned by police late yesterday after a Cairns North street was shut for most of the day.
Police have provided few details of the incident in Dunn St near the Cairns mosque.
A police spokesman confirmed oficers were talking to a 38-year-old homeless man in relation to possible offences under the Drugs Misuse Act.
He said an investigation was launched after a public tip off.
“Police conducted inquiries into the matter overnight after receiving information from a member of the public,” he said.
“The man was taken into custody without incident in Cairns North about 5am (on Monday).
“He continues to assist police in relation to the investigation.” Nearby residents confirmed the road was closed until into the afternoon.
The spokesman said investigations “to determine the full circumstances surrounding this matter” were ongoing.
“Police have thanked the community and local leaders for helping with the investigation,” he said.