More now aware of local surgery

Taupo Times, Volume 23, Issue 54, 9 July 1974, Page 1

More now aware of local surgery

More and more Taupo people are realising that most general surgical cases can be treated at the local hospital, said the Taupo representative on the Waikato Hospital Board, Mr J. W. Birnie. Before a full-time surgeon was appointed to Taupo Hospital, patients had to go to Rotorua or further afield for even minor surgery. From April 1, 1973, to March 31, 1974, a total of 507 patients were referred, to the hospital surgeon's clinic by local medical practitioners, Mr Birnie said. Most of these received surgical treafment at the local hospital. "Shortage of beds from time to time has meant that cases which would normally be treated in Taupo have had to be sent elsewhere," he said. "But this will be overcome when an additional five beds are added to the present ward and a new ward is built." The hospital board is at present awaiting approval from the Health Department to call tenders for the extension work. Even. with the present 25-bed ward there were

times when more cases s could be treated at Taupo = Hospital. said Mr Birnie. "Taupo has a highly j-j qualitled and eompetent E specialist surgeon and E highly eompetent baek-up E staff." he said. £j "Consequently. more and jjjj more Taupo people are = realising that most general E surgical cases can be E treated. \ E "This saves relatives. in z particular. the long trip to ~ and from Rotorua." ~ u 1 1 ! 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 s ri