Australian Interplast Team Conducts 30 Free Surgeries
More than 30 burn patients from Northern Division underwent free surgeries conducted by the Australian Interplast team at Labasa Hospital this week.
The team, assisted by Australia Rotary Club and Labasa Rotary Club has been providing free treatment of plastic and reconstructive surgeries for over a decade.
Team spokesperson Doctor Carly Fox said on Monday they screened 40 patients.
She revealed the significant number of patients screened were children. A 12- month-old baby was the youngest patient to be treated.
“We spent four days working together with the Colonial War Memorial Hospital and Labasa Hospital surgical team in conducting surgeries,” Dr Fox said.
“In this way we were able to treat patients and at the same time the local team were able to learn so that when need arises they can act.”
The six-member team concluded its work on Friday afternoon.
Dr Fox is advising people if any of their body parts get burnt to immediately leave it under cool running tap water for 20 minutes.
“I think many people are unaware of what First Aid is and if this can be practised at first hand then patients can at least get some relief while waiting for an ambulance,” she said.
“It has been a tiring week but we
experienced a lot of exciting moments seeing patients receive new life.”
Daya Wati of Vunivau, Labasa is
waiting patiently to see her 34-yearold son move his right hand fingers.
“While working for a sawmill company his right arm was badly
injured in 2020 and since then he hasn’t been able to go to work,” Ms Wati said.
“The surgery was successful and I would like to thank the team and Labasa Hospital for their assistance.”