The disagreement with Christchurch over neurosurgery was a
"blessing in disguise" as it led to restoring lapsed ties
with the University of Otago, the former head of Dunedin
Hospital neurosurgery, Sam Bishara, says.
Mr Bishara said the threat of losing neurosurgery in Dunedin
led to a high-level and thorough review, resulting in this
week's positive outcome for the South.
Acting Director-general of Health Andrew Bridgman had shown
common sense in recommending three neurosurgeons be based in
Dunedin, two with academic positions at the university.
Mr Bishara, a former associate professor at Otago University,
commended the university for the part it played in the
decision.
Dunedin Hospital neurosurgery had never had three
neurosurgeons in the service's 67-year history.
He said the panel rightly rejected the argument that
centralising neurosurgeons in Christchurch was beneficial for
patients, because of opportunities for sub-specialisation, as
it would have cost lives through extra travel time in
emergencies.
The two centres already had sub-specialties: Dunedin Hospital
was the national base of an oncology procedure, radiosurgery,
and Christchurch had expertise in neurosurgical coiling.
Of any fallout with Christchurch and damage to clinical and
management relationships, the "wounds" would heal with time,
he said.
He did not want to comment on criticism in the expert
neurosurgery panel's report of the Southern District Health
Board (formerly Otago DHB) for lacking "commitment" to the
service in the past.
"It is clear that Prof Bishara's dedication in many ways
protected the organisation from making the decisions required
to build the service for the future.
"Clearly, while there is exceptional organisational
commitment to the service now, the commitment has not always
been evident," the report says.
Mr Bishara acknowledged it had been difficult being the only
resident neurosurgeon - supported by registrars - for some
extended periods before his retirement as head of the unit in
1995. Such an arrangement would be unacceptable now, he said.
Mr Bishara was overseas in July and August, missing the
public march and public meetings in which thousands of Otago
and Southland people took part.
He was touched to see how many people marched and signed the
petition.
The South had a tradition of fighting to keep local services
and even fundraising for medical equipment, he said.
- eileen.goodwin@odt.co.nz
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