Surgical trainees in Samoa receive specialized training from Australian team

A team from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) is in Samoa this week as part of RACS Pacific Island Program, which seeks to strengthen specialised clinical services across 11 Pacific Island countries.

Dr Christopher Hair and nurse Catherine Conway are providing education to physicians and general trainees and provide endoscopy education to local surgical trainees at Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital.

The RACS Pacific Island Program is supported by the Australian Government and the team met with Australia's new Deputy High Commissioner Amanda Jewell today to discuss the progress of their work in Samoa.

The training includes promoting the safety of endoscopy - a surgical procedure where an instrument is introduced into the body to give a view of its internal parts.

It will focus on patient-safety equipment sterilisation, safe handling and consent.

Another area they are working on is systems strengthening through documenting the current endoscopy model in Samoa and developing a strategy for sustainability of services.
 
Source:  Aust HC Samoa