Tender process delivers new urology service

A revamped urology service at West Gippsland Hospital will better meet community needs, according to chief executive officer Dan Weeks.

After putting the service out to tender earlier this year, West Gippsland Healthcare Group’s new urology service will begin from July 1.

Mr Weeks said the expanded urology program will provide a comprehensive program for patients.

Mr Weeks explained the service currently included three independent urologists – Darren Katz, David Dangerfield and Philip McCahy.

He said the three urologists worked independently of each other with their consultations and surgery lists.

“If someone cancelled a list, patients had to wait for the next available list.

“We were finding we were having lists cancelled and that’s a waste of resources, especially if it’s late notice then they can’t reschedule other surgery.

Mr Weeks said they decided to review urology services because they were becoming increasingly concerned about the surgery cancellation rate.

The tender process resulted in the contract being awarded to Southern Urology.

WGHG will continue to have three urologists to serve patients, including Mr Katz who will join the group as well as new urologists Scott Donnellan and Paul Manohar.

Mr Weeks said the team would provide a coordinated and comprehensive service to patients, including increased local consulting and operating services with 24 hours a day seven days a week support.

He said having an integrated service meant the urologists would be able to work together and cover each other if needed for surgery lists, allowing for a continuity of care and less wait times for patients.

Mr Weeks said patients could choose to continue seeing their previous urologist but this would be no longer in Warragul.

For patients wishing to transfer their care locally, he said their first appointment with members of the new team would be at no cost.

Mr Weeks said existing urology patients on the WGHG waiting list should have received advice about the new arrangements and should contact WGHG consulting suites if they have any concerns.

“With the new and expanded urology services available to the local community, there should be little reason for patients to travel elsewhere,” he said.

Mr Weeks said the board was grateful for the support and service of Mr Dangerfield and Mr McCahy.

For enquiries, patients can call 9563 7899.