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GPNews Westmead Private Hospital Cnr Mons & Darcy Road Westmead NSW 2145 Issue 2 June 2014 02 8837 9000 LIVE SURGERY… Advanced Single Site Robotic Hysterectomy Inside • Parking Improvements • New $1.6m Operating Theatre • $1.4m 3D Micrscope • New Specialists Join the Team Westmead GP news 1 GPNews In this issue 2 A Message from the CEO Tim Daniel 3 News from Westmead Private Hospital 4 Zeiss ‘Pentero 900’ 3D Microscope 5Husband & Wife Receive Cochlear Implant on the same day at Westmead Private 5 NOGIN – Neuro Oncology Information Network PRODUCTION & MATERIAL 6 Dr Faruque Riffat…A concise approach to the hoarse voice 8 Cathetorisation Laboratory: Interventional Neuro-Radiology The Westmead Private & WSPOIC GP News is produced by the WESTMEAD PRIVATE Hospital Marketing Department 9 New Endoscopes for our Urologists- Series 190 Gastroscope 9 The gift to swallow restored for Anthony Whitefield 10 A/Prof Carsten Palme investigates Thyroid Nodular Disease 11 Westmead Private Car Parking Improvements 11 Referrals for Infusion Treatment at WSPOIC 12 New specialists to join the team FOR FEEDBACK, ENQUIRIES AND MATERIAL SUBMISSION PLEASE CONTACT Melissa MacIvor T: (02) 8837 9000 E: [email protected] If you do not wish to receive this newsletter or other marketing materials please contact the Marketing Department T: 0428 317 781 A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO Tim Daniel Welcome to Westmead Private Hospital’s second edition of ‘Medical Matters’. This issue will showcase some of the amazing outcomes our patients have recently experienced, from the couple who had cochlear implants, to the patient who received the first POEM procedure in Australia. We will also highlight some of the new pieces of equipment our surgeons now have access to. I am proud that Westmead Private is continually securing advanced pieces of equipment and undertaking new procedures. Despite Westmead Private providing an inspiring record of medical firsts across many fields, we have one thing that is consistent in our hospital and that is our outstanding staff, surgeons and medical clinicians. Dedication and team spirit recedes through our hospital as our staff work tirelessly day in and day out to provide an individualised top quality service to every patient. This issue will present to you some of our current specialists including our Neuro-radiology team, ENT Surgeons and Neurosurgeons. We are also delighted to introduce you to some of the new specialists that have joined the team. Westmead Private has recently had some significant changes take place which have further improved the operation of our hospital. We have just completed a $3m project to put in a new high tech operating theatre which takes us to a total of 12 theatres. We have also significantly improved our on-site parking, which has freed up over 100 spaces for patients and visitors and improved our accessibility. 2 Westmead GP news As a hospital we are even more focused than ever this year on providing educational opportunities to our catchment area of GP’s. You will find some articles within this newsletter, written by our specialists that provide tips for you in your everyday GP practice on ‘what to look out for’ and ‘when to refer’. Additionally, alongside our already well-established GP education program which runs 5 times a year, our new GP Liaison Officer will continue to carry out GP ‘lunch and learn’ sessions with our specialists to GP practices in the local area. I would like to thank you all for your continued support of our hospital and we look forward to working and supporting you throughout 2014. Yours Sincerely, Tim Daniel Chief Executive Officer NEWS FROM WPH NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART THEATRE We are thrilled to announce the opening of Westmead Private Hospital 12th operating theatre. This brand new high tech theatre equipped with the latest surgical technologies will provide our surgeons and patients with gold-class surgical care. This new 67m2 operating theatre will be primarily utilised by our Neurosurgeons who require additional space for their advanced equipment. However, this will then free up additional theatre time for all of our other surgical specialists. This renovation, alongside our further expansion plans over the new twelve to eighteen months, will cement our hospital as a fantastic medical facility, providing top-end surgical technology. LIVE SURGERY STREAMED TO AGES CONFERENCE Westmead Private Hospital was pleased to recently welcome Dr Devin Garza, from the USA. Dr Garza is an internationally known leader in Gynaecology robotic surgery and teaches surgeons in the USA to learn best practices in safety and surgical techniques in robotic surgery. Dr Garza moderated surgery performed by Dr Felix Chan (Gynaecological Oncology Surgeon) & A/Prof Harry Merkur (Gynaecologist) during a live surgery education forum for the Australian Gynaecological Endoscopy and Surgery Annual Scientific Meeting (AGES). The doctors performed the live surgery; both the standard and the more advanced single site robotic hysterectomy, at Westmead Private Hospital which was streamed live to the International conference held at the Hilton Hotel in Sydney on Friday 28th March. Gynaecologists from all over Australia and New Zealand attended the conference to learn about the new generation robotic technology and the benefits to their patients. This forum allowed the specialists to discuss the new technology and to enhance their array of surgical options. Dr Chan said “I am delighted to be able to assist others in their learning curve; it is very fulfilling to be involved in the next generation technology”. With today’s ever changing technology it is evident that surgeons have signed up for a lifetime of learning. For the patients involved the benefits for them having this surgery include: • Minimal scarring • Low blood loss • Short hospital stay • Minimal pain • Fast recovery • High patient satisfaction A/Prof Harry Merkur, Dr Devin Garza and Dr Felix Chan Dr Felix Chan Suite 32, 1a Ashley Lane WESTMEAD, NSW, 2145 T: (02) 9635 9655 F: (02) 9635 9688 A/Prof Harry Merkur 6 Kempsey Street, BLACKTOWN, NSW, 2145 T: (02) 9622 8000 F: (02) 9622 8686 Westmead GP news 3 ZEISS ‘PENTERO 900’ 3D MICROSCOPE The BLUE 400 fluorescence will help in improving tumour resection rates. It is used in conjunction with the Gliolan drug, which accumulates at the glioblastoma site and fluoresces under the blue light of the micro scope. The Infrared IR800 fluorescence is used to assist in vascular Neurosurgery. Essentially the IR800 helps visualize blood flow. In addition to the microscope, WMP is the first Hospital in Australia to adopt the new Trenion 3D camera system. Traditional video has always been limited in its ability to show depth. The Trenion 3D camera has dual cameras on both light paths (left and right), these signals are run simultaneously into the 3D screen and with the assistance of the 3D glasses you will get image clarity like no other. The 3D recording is part of the Trenion system and the videos taken with the Trenion will be world class videos for any conferences or live surgery sessions run at the hospital. Westmead Private Hospital is pleased to announce the arrival of the latest Zeiss ‘Pentero 900’ microscope, with the 3D Imaging component. Our Neurosurgeons and ENT surgeons are delighted that they can now utilise the newest model of this high-tech microscope at our facility. The ‘PENTERO 900’ microscope is a unique surgical visualization platform that offers advanced functionality to meet the most demanding microsurgical applications. It is equipped with all the latest technologies including foldable, rotatable binoculars, integrated HD camera, and recording plus the latest “Infrared 800” and “BLUE400” fluorescence technologies. Westmead Private Hospital: Specialist ENT Surgeons “Westmead Private Hospital is very fortunate to be one of the first hospitals in the world to benefit from the new High Definition 3D video recording system attached to this microscope. This allows us to beam 3D HD images live to other surgeons within the hospital and at external conferences in Sydney or anywhere in the world. We can also record all of our operations in 3D HD, to be used as an invaluable educational resource for trainee surgeons, through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and The University of Sydney”. Said Dr Narinder Singh, ENT Surgeon at Westmead Private Hospital Dr Narinder Singh, ENT Surgeon at Westmead Private, Westmead Private Hospital: Neurosurgeons Dr Alan Cheng (02) 9763 1111 Dr Gordon Dandie (02) 9635 1938 A/Prof Melville Da Cruz (02) 9635 1737 Dr Mark Dexter (02) 9633 1900 A/Prof Carsten Palme Dr Suchitra Paramaesvaran Dr Faruque Riffat 1300 552 665 Dr Andrew Kam (02) 9633 1013 (02) 4737 3396 Jacqueline McMaster (02) 9633 1013 (02) 9633 2133 Dr Gemma Olsson (02) 9633 1900 Dr Nardiner Singh (02) 9680 8800 Dr Philip Yeung (02) 9281 8556 4 Westmead GP news HUSBAND & WIFE RECEIVE COCHLEAR IMPLANT ON THE SAME DAY AT WESTMEAD PRIVATE HOSPITAL For Tim and Natalie Nobes to hear the words “I love you” for the first time, was made a reality after 21 years of marriage. On 19th February A/Prof Melville DaCruz, ENT Surgeon at Westmead Private Hospital performed cochlear implant surgery on the couple, the first time he had ever undertaken the operation on a married couple on the same day. Tim Daniel, CEO of Westmead Private Hospital said, “It’s an absolute privilege for us to play our part in this truly remarkable surgery and is just another great example of the outstanding medical intervention which is being performed at Westmead Private Hospital“ For Tim, 44 who was born prematurely and is profoundly deaf and Natalie, 44 who is profoundly deaf from Rubella the decision to have the implants has been a long time coming. Some 5 years ago Natalie’s mother gave them some information on cochlear implants, but it wasn’t until recently when they saw the successes from friends and the advancement in technology that they have decided to undertake the procedure together. With the recent release of the MED-EL RONDO® system, which combines the traditional audio processor components such as the coil, control unit and battery pack into one single unit, and making it the world’s first single-unit processor for cochlear implants, the Nobes thought it was time for action. The RONDO® is a breakthrough in hearing implant technology being a compact all-in-one unit and can therefore be worn discretely under the hair. For Tim and Natalie’s three children Laura (18), Ryan (17) and Emily (12) dinner time conversation is now a whole lot better since the implants were switched on 3 weeks after the implant surgery. Tim and Natalie Nobes with A/Prof Melville Da Cruz EURO ONCOLOGY NOGIN NINFORMATION NETWORK NOgIN is a Brain Tumour Support Group that meets bi-monthly to provide education to patients and family on contemporary issues. This group was developed as a joint initiative between Clinical Nurse Consultants at Westmead Private and Westmead Hospital. The aim of this group is to reduce the physical and emotional impact associated with the diagnosis and ongoing treatment of a brain tumour. An array of speakers present at the meetings on very useful topics in an easy to understand language. Topics include current treatment and research, management of seizures, lifestyle, and emotional/ psychological issues. To find out more about NOgIN and to view the dates and times for the 2014 NOgIN program visit ; www. westmeadprivate.com.au/Our-Services or contact our Clinical Nurse Consultant on the number below. Emma Everingham Clinical Nurse Consultant, Westmead Private Hospital Phone: (02) 8837 8926 Fax: (02) 8837 8940 Email: [email protected] Westmead GP news 5 DR FARUQUE RIFFAT... A CONCISE APPROACH TO THE HOARSE VOICE Assessment of Dysphonia to identify malignancy and diagnosing the benign pathologies that afflict the larynx. Some key questions in my mind are: 1.Any recent upper respiratory infections? Even a minor viral URTI can cause sufficient abnormality of the delicate mucosal folds of the larynx or exacerbate pre-existing pathology 2.Are there any associated sinister upper aerodigestive tract symptoms? In the region of the larynx and hypopharynx, malignancies cause symptoms such as dysphagia, odynophagia, haemoptysis or referred otalgia 3.Smoking and alcohol history? The risk of malignancy is proportional to the pack year smoking history. Alcohol has a synergistic effect. Smoking can also cause a range of benign laryngeal pathology that can be treated such as hyperkeratosis, Reinke’s oedema (Fig 1) as well as lung cancers that can lead to recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy leading to breathiness 4.Pattern of symptoms? Excessive voice use with occupational demands can create vocal strain. Anxiety/Depression and public speaking fears are often associated with muscle tension. Reflux generally creates an episodic pattern, and is usually worse in the morning. Sudden onset after excessive strain (eg. football spectator) can indicate an acute haemorrhage into the vocal cord 5.Voice demand of patient? Are there occupational factors that are associated with risk of developing benign nodules (teacher, lawyers, doctors, singers, salespeople) and what are the occupational voice needs of the patient 6.Presence of laryngopharyngeal reflux? Silent extra-oesophageal acid reflux can cause a range of symptoms ranging from globus, irritation, throat clearing, “phlegminess” and dysphonia 7.Any associated chest disease? The use of steroid inhalers for COPD can cause laryngeal candidiasis. Persistent cough from reflux, COPD or post-nasal drip from rhinosinusitis can cause vocal cord microtrauma. Lung cancer, TB or thoracic surgery can cause recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy which can manifest as breathy dysphonia 8.Thyroid disease and surgery? Myxedema can cause deposits of proteoglycans that thicken the vocal cords manifesting as a deep hoarse dysphonia and thyroid surgery is a risk factor for vocal cord palsy 6 Westmead GP news 9. ny associated neurological symptom? A Conditions such as a CVA, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease can cause bulbar dysfunction which results in centrally mediated vagal dysfunction 10.Recent intubation? This can be associated with vocal cord granuloma and scarring/indentation disrupting the mucosal wave and cricoarytenoid unit dysfuction 11.Impact on the patient’s quality of life? Assessment of the impact of the condition on the patient’s psychological, social and occupational demands. Motivation to seek treatment and pursue speech therapy if required Examination Speech Therapy Begin with a general vocal assessment. This involves the patient uttering a sentence in their normal voice projection. It is crucial at this stage to identify if possible the dysphonia is breathy of hoarse. Breathiness indicates air escape within the larynx. It signifies a range of conditions where the mobility of vocal cords is affected (eg recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy). Hoarseness indicates pathology of the mucosal fold and where the vocal wave is affected (eg malignancy, Reinke’s oedema, nodules) Fig 2. 1.Speech therapy has a crucial role in treating the aetiology of vocal pathology (eg nodules), treating the effect of vocal pathology on the function of the patient (eg. muscle tension dysphonia) and training in compensatory techniques (eg supraglottic swallow for cord palsy) After this I move on to a systematic physical examination of the patient in the following order: 1.Examination of nose and nasopharynx including nasendoscopy Are there polyps or any evidence of post-nasal drip? Is there significant crusting or septal perforation heralding Wegener’s (Fig 3)? 2.Examination of oropharynx Is there candidiasis? Is there another sinister ulcer/lesion? 3.Examination of the larynx Direct per-nasal or peroral laryngoscopy to assess mucosal fold, mobility and pyriform fossa. Complete assessment for malignancy and reflux. Analysis of vocal cord mobility and glottis closure (eg presbylarynx in old age leading to atrophy and air escape) or vocal cord palsy 4.A thorough examination of all nodal regions of the neck and the thyroid gland Treatment Options Vocal Hygiene 1.I take every opportunity to educate my patients about vocal hygiene, including projection, breath control and avoidance of shouting 2.Maintain adequate hydration , this is crucial to the lubrication of the cords Surgery 1.Laser Treatment. The carbon dioxide and KTP lasers have revolutionised the endoscopic management of benign and malignant laryngeal conditions. I routinely offer this for pre-malignant and malignant pathology as the oncological outcomes are identical to radiotherapy (RT) and it keeps the options of radiotherapy open for future use The laser is also very useful for a range of benign conditions such as Reinke’s oedema, granulomas and webs 2.Coblation Treatment. This is a radiofrequency based technique which I utilise for benign conditions such as polyps and papillomas 3.Injection and Thyroplasty Techniques. These techniques offer a very effective treatment for breathy dysphonia due to volume loss in the cords (eg age atrophy) or for vocal cord palsy. Depending on the aetiology and the expected prognosis the appropriate implant materials can be injected or inserted into the vocal cord Once the history and examination are completed, an accurate diagnosis can be made in the vast majority of patients. Unless a malignancy is suspected a biopsy under general anaesthetic or further imaging is not required. In some cases stroboscopy may be required in a setting of a voice clinic. 3.Complete smoking cessation including discussion of quitting techniques and medications 4. Reduction of caffeine (drying effect) Treatment of Laryngopharygeal Reflux 1.General dietary and lifestyle modifications for reflux including avoiding alcohol and spicy meals 2.Initial double dose proton-pump inhibitor for 3 months followed by maintenance once daily 3.Judicious use of prokinetics (domperidone) and alginates 4.Consider fundoplication for treatment refractory reflux in consultation with gastroenterology and upper GI surgery colleagues Figure 1: Reike’s Oedema Figure 2: Early vocal cord cancer Figure 3: Nasal septal Perforation Dr Faruque Riffat BSc, MSc, MBBS (Hons 1 UNSW), FRACS (Oto) ENT Surgeon Suite 104, 151 Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, NSW, 2145 Fax: (02) 9676 6708 Phone: (02) 9633 2133 Website: www.drfriffat.com Westmead GP news 7 CATHETORIZATION LABORATORY: INTERVENTIONAL Neuro-Radiology Westmead Private Hospital is lucky to have a fantastic Interventional Radiology team, specialising specifically in NeuroRadiology, located on site. They work closely with our Catheterization Laboratory team and Neurosurgical team to provide a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach to managing varied patient cases. Visit this link to see some of the team in action in Westmead Private’s Cath Lab: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Fs_W5cQF_l4 Dr Ken Faulder MBBS, FRANZCR, AMIS Dr Ken Faulder is a Radiologist with specialist skills in Interventional Neuro-Radiology. He finished training as a specialist radiologist at Royal North Shore Hospital in 1999. He has gained interventional radiology training both nationally and internationally, with Dr Faulder commencing an INR fellowship at Royal North Shore Hospital and completing it at Mt Sinai Hospital, New York. Dr Faulder has extensive experience in interventional NeuroRadiology, with special interests including cerebral aneurysm and AVM embolisation, intracranial stenting, internal carotid artery stenting, acute stroke treatment and petrosal sinus sampling. Westmead Specialist Centre, Suite 6, 16-18 Mons Road, Westmead NSW 2145 Fax: (02) 8580 5208 Ph: 1300 553 339 Website: www.sevs.com.au Dr Brendan Steinfort MBBS, FRANZCR Dr Brendan Steinfort is a Radiologist with specialist skills in Interventional NeuroRadiology. He completed training as a specialist radiologist at Royal North Shore Hospital and in 2005 he went on to complete an interventional neuroradiology fellowship and then undertook a second fellowship at The National Hospital of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Queens Square London in diagnostic Neuro Radiology and interventional Neuro-Radiology. Dr Steinfort has extensive experience in Neuro-Radiology, interventional Neuro-Radiology and general interventional radiology, with special interests in neurovascular disease including: cerebral aneurysm, AVM and dural AV Fistulas embolisation, intracranial stenting and internal carotid artery stenting. Westmead Specialist Centre, Suite 6, 16-18 Mons Road, Westmead NSW 2145 Phone: 1300 553 339 Fax: (02) 8580 5208 Website: www.sevs.com.au 8 Westmead GP news NEW ENDOSCOPES FOR OUR UROLOGISTS – Series 190 Gastroscope We have recently added to our equipment at Westmead Private Hospital a new video endoscope, with ultrasound guidance technology. The new scope provide amazing imaging quality never seen before. Our Urologists have been busy using ultra-sound in their diagnostic procedures. Ultrasound guided biopsies of the prostate is now a very common procedure appearing on our operating lists. The use of ultrasound guidance, particularly by Dr. Howard Lau, in partial nephrectomy both open and laparoscopic procedures, allows us to be even more particular in just how much tissue needs to be removed from the kidney when dealing with kidney cancer. Our kidney patients are now keeping more and more of their own kidney and its function following cancer diagnosis. On March 5th the first P.O.E.M. procedure but also the first in all of Australia was carried out. Professor Bourke, with Professor Paul Focker from Germany supporting and encouraging, conducted our first Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy. The patients story is shown below. THE GIFT TO SWALLOW RESTORED FOR ANTHONY WHITEFIELD AT WESTMEAD PRIVATE HOSPITAL, A FIRST IN AUSTRALIA On 5th March, 79 year old Anthony Whitefield underwent ground breaking endoscopic surgery performed by Professor Michael Bourke, Gastroenterologist to help him swallow. For the past 8-10 years Anthony has had trouble swallowing due to a spastic disorder of the lower oesophageal sphincter called Achalasia. So bad were his symptoms that his weight plummeted to less than 49kgs. Anthony underwent Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) at Westmead Private Hospital, one of the very first POEM procedures to be performed in Australia. POEM involves creating a submucosal tunnel in the oesophageal wall and then selectively dividing individual muscle fibres deep in the oesophageal wall, particularly at the level of the lower oesophageal sphincter, thereby releasing the obstruction. The tunnel is then closed endoscopically with clips to avoid a leak of swallowed luminal contents into the chest outside of the oesophagus. Professor Bourke was supported by Professor Paul Fockens, a world authority in POEM from the Netherlands. Anthony was on a light diet for a week and then progressed back to a normal diet over time, which he has not enjoyed for quite some time. In particular he is looking forward to a seafood feast with his four children, 10 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild when he is fully recovered. Tim Daniel, CEO of Westmead Private Hospital said, “It’s an absolute privilege for us to play our part in this truly remarkable endoscopic surgery with all of its minimally invasive advantages.” Westmead GP news 9 A/PROF CARSTEN PALME INVESTIGATES THYROID NODULAR DISEASE Thyroid nodules are common in the general community. They are present on clinical examination in approximately 5% of patients. The incidence of subclinical disease however is much higher due to the widespread use of imaging when evaluating a variety of head and neck complaints. Thyroid nodular disease is most common in women with a ratio of greater than 3:1. Nearly 50% over the age of 50 years will have detectable nodules on high resolution ultrasonography. The aetiology is varied and commonly includes iodine deficiency, immune disorders, and both benign and malignant neoplasms. The incidence of primary malignancy in clinically detectable thyroid nodules is 5% to 20%. The majority of thyroid cancers are well differentiated and foremost include papillary (80%) and follicular (10%) variants. The death rate of thyroid cancer is fortunately low and associated with more aggressive histologic subtypes including medullary and anaplastic carcinoma. Identifying Patients with Thyroid Nodules The high incidence of both clinically and importantly incidentally discovered thyroid nodules place a significant Symptoms include: pain, difficulty burden on the primary care swallowing or breathing physician especially given the fact that the majority will be benign. A clear and robust approach is required to identify those patients which require prompt specialist care. A concise history and comprehensive examination is paramount in the assessment of all thyroid nodules. It is important to identify risk factors for malignancy such as extremes of age, male gender, ionizing radiation exposure and a positive family history. A rapidly growing nodule, associated with lateral neck lymphadenopathy and or changes in airway, voice and swallow are clinical features that may be associated with an underlying thyroid cancer. In addition to careful physical examination of the neck, all patients require thorough inspection of the upper aerodigestive tract. This can be achieved with the use of laryngeal mirrors, rigid endoscopes or fiberoptic flexible nasendoscopes. How to Investigate Thyroid Nodules Fortunately the majority of patients do not have signs of significant local invasion or metastatic disease on presentation. It is important to perform routine investigations in all patients with thyroid nodular disease which include simple thyroid function tests, evaluation of thyroid autoantibodies and importantly high resolution ultrasonography. There are certain imaging features such as the presence of speckled microcalcification, irregular tumour borders and increased vascularity that may heighten concerns of an underlying thyroid cancer. However the gold standard investigation for any thyroid nodule greater than 1 cm or smaller with suspicious features is an ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) by an experienced cytopathologist. Standard reporting of the cytology includes; malignant, benign, atypical, indeterminate or inadequate sample. 10 Westmead GP news Management of Thyroid Nodular Disease The management of thyroid nodular disease requires a multidisciplinary approach. The team includes foremost the primary care physician, the endocrinologist, an experienced thyroid surgeon, a thyroid cytopathologist and radiologist with an interest in neck ultrasonography. Ultimate decision on treatment depends on a combination of patient, tumour and investigational factors. Indications for surgery include significant upper aerodigestive tract compromise including airway obstruction, proven malignancy or atypical FNA or overactivity. The extent of surgery may include a total or hemithyroidectomy with possible lymph node dissection depending on the clinical setting. Benign FNAs can be managed with repeat imaging and or biopsy. Inadequate or indeterminate FNAs should be repeated. In summary the management of thyroid nodular disease represents a major challenge given the significant incidence in the general community and the possibility for a malignant aetiology. A successful outcome requires a clear understanding of certain patient, tumor and investigational risk factors. The standard approach consists of a comprehensive history and physical examination, appropriate investigations and a multidisciplinary team. Definitive treatment includes close observation or surgical exploration. A/Prof Carsten E Palme Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery Suite 3, Westmead Private Hospital, Cnr of Mons & Darcy Rds, Westmead, NSW, 2145 Ph: 1300 552 665 Fax: (02) 8089 1025 Website: www.carstenpalme.com Westmead Private The care you need, when you need it Now with increased on-site parking for patients and visitors In our ongoing efforts to meet the growing healthcare needs of our local community and maintain our excellent reputation for quality healthcare, our latest completed redevelopment includes the addition of a state-of-the-art fully integrated theatre while also increasing the spaces available for patient & visitor parking. Westmead Private Hospital…you’re in safe hands! www.westmeadprivate.com.au Cnr Mons & Darcy Rds, Westmead NSW 2145 Referrals For Infusion Treatments at Did you know? Western Sydney Private Oncology & Infusion Centre (WSPOIC) specialises in the care and support of patient’s infusion therapy, including cytotoxic therapies for the treatment or management of chronic illness or cancer. WSPOIC offers a vast range of Infusion treatments for patients on-site, and the pathway for patient referral to our centre is extremely easy. Some of the treatments and procedures performed at our centre are; • • • • • Iron Infusions Blood Transfusions Specialist Drug Infusions – Neurology – Rheumatology – Gastroenterology – Endocrinology Ports, Piccs and Hickman’s care and pathology collection Cancer Treatment – Chemotherapy – Monoclonal • • • • • • Haematology Treatments Immune/Enzyme Deficiency Treatments IV Therapy – Rehydration Infusions Phlebotomy/Venesection BCG Bladder Treatment- Urological patients Peritoneal Chemotherapy WSPOIC opened in August 2013 and is equipped with the newest state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technologies in infusion therapy. Please visit our website to view our ezi-find directory for a full list of specialists accredited at our centre. www.westernsydneyoncology.com.au Western Sydney Private Oncology & Infusion Centre Westmead Specialist Centre Level 2, 16-18 Mons Road WESTMEAD NSW 2145 Ph: 02 8837 9800 Fax: 02 8837 9845 Westmead GP news 11 NEW SPECIALISTS TO JOIN THE TEAM AT WESTMEAD PRIVATE HOSPITAL Obstetrician and Gynaecologist: Dr Jyothi Marry MBBS, Dip. O&G, FRANZCOG Dr Jyothi Marry is an experienced female specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (FRANZCOG). Jyothi received extensive training in Auckland, Westmead and Liverpool hospitals, and has received advanced fellowship training in laparoscopic and pelvic surgery. She is RANZCOG Training Co-ordinator for Sydney South West Local Health District and also received the Associate Dean’s teaching award. Dr Marry is multilingual and can also speak Hindi and Telugu. She is a Conjoint Lecturer at the University of New South Wales. She has been awarded the Best Overall Conjoint Teacher by UNSW in 2013 and also Associate Dean’s teaching award. Phone: 02 8677 7417 Fax: 02 8677 7046 Gastroenterologist: Dr Purnima Bhat M.B, B.S. (Qld) FRACP Ph.D Dr Purnima Bhat graduated in medicine at the University of Queensland before training in Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Melbourne, where she obtained her specialist qualifications and certification in Endoscopy in 2000. She subsequently obtained her PhD from the University of Melbourne followed by post-doctoral training in microscopy and immunology in the Frazer lab in Brisbane. She has been studying the behaviour of immune cells in cancers, particularly bowel cancers, and is currently a Senior Researcher at the Australian National University. She is the author of many scientific publications and regularly speaks at national and international conferences. Dr Bhat has a particular interest in the development of bowel cancers and their prevention in patients. Phone: 02 9629 2884 Email: [email protected] Cardiologist: Dr Ajita Kanthan MBBS (USyd), BMedSc, FRACP, FCSANZ, PhD (Usyd) Dr Ajita Kanthan completed his undergraduate medical training at the University of Sydney in 2000 and physicians training (specialising in adult cardiology) at Westmead Hospital in 2008. After undertaking a PhD also at Westmead Public Hospital, he obtained sub-speciality training in the management of inherited diseases under the supervision of Professor Silvia Priori in Italy and in device implantation and electrophysiology/ablations at Monash HEART (Monash Medical Centre). He is a visiting medical officer at Blacktown and Mt Druitt Hospitals, and is accredited at Westmead Private Hospital. Dr Kanthan has an interest in pacemaker, defibrillator and loop recorder implantation as well as electrophysiology, ablations and inherited disease of the heart Phone: 02 9633 5658 Fax: 02 9893 9616 General Physician: Dr Martin Cullen MBBS, FRACP Dr Martin Cullen will be working as a consultant physician at Westmead Private Hospital, managing the complex medical issues of inpatients as needed pre and post operatively as well as admitting patients requiring hospital treatment for acute medical problems. Dr Cullen has a BSc (Hons) MBBS and is a Fellow of the College of Intensive Care as well as a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. He is a Staff Specialist in Intensive Care at Westmead Hospital and works as a VMO Intensivist in Gosford Hospital and the Shoalhaven Hospital. When Dr Cullen is not working as an Intensivist he practices as a specialist Physician. He works in rural NSW doing General Medicine clinics and has an interest in Indigenous Health. His other interests include infectious diseases, acute care medicine, perioperative medicine and the use of ultrasound in Intensive Care. Phone: 0418 615 836 12 Westmead GP news Fax: 02 9845 9395