Marketing and Public Relations St John of God Hospital, Murdoch (08) 9366 1066
Less produces better results with Murdoch surgical innovation
December 2009
St John of God Hospital Murdoch hosted another innovative surgical technique with Colorectal Surgeon, Mr Nigel Barwood performing the first Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) Colectomy in Western Australia.
The SILS procedure which utilises only one incision, rather than up to six, is minimally invasive, results in less scarring and a little less postoperative pain. Multiple instruments through one incision, usually made through the navel, in order to reach different parts of the body from different angles
Mr Nigel Barwood said that laparoscopic ('keyhole') techniques had been used in WA for the past six years, and is now the preferred technique for most major large bowel resections, including bowel cancer.
The SILS procedure involved a major bowel resection through a 5cm incision which is almost completely hidden within the umbilicus (navel). The patient went home on day 3 and could return to work just over 2 weeks following surgery.
Mr Barwood said, "SILS is part of a new generation of laparoscopic techniques (eg. NOTES and robotics) fuelled by technological advances. SILS colectomy is only suitable for a small group of patients, particularly where cosmesis and scar reduction is a priority."
Like all procedures performed at St John of God Hospital Murdoch, the new SILS technique has been through the thorough hospital credentialing procedures. The Hospital also supported the establishment of a Multidisciplinary Laparoscopic Group, whereby surgeons of different specialties collaborate and learn from each other's expertise.
St John of God Hospital Murdoch Chief Executive Officer Peter Mott said the technique was typical of the hospital's commitment to supporting innovation and best practice amongst its accredited doctors.
Mr Mott said, "St John of God Hospital Murdoch has always been recognized for a high standard of patient care and will continue to support clinicians in proven innovative clinical practice."
St John of God Hospital Murdoch hosted another innovative surgical technique with Colorectal Surgeon, Mr Nigel Barwood performing the first Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) Colectomy in Western Australia.
The SILS procedure which utilises only one incision, rather than up to six, is minimally invasive, results in less scarring and a little less postoperative pain. Multiple instruments through one incision, usually made through the navel, in order to reach different parts of the body from different angles
Mr Nigel Barwood said that laparoscopic ('keyhole') techniques had been used in WA for the past six years, and is now the preferred technique for most major large bowel resections, including bowel cancer.
The SILS procedure involved a major bowel resection through a 5cm incision which is almost completely hidden within the umbilicus (navel). The patient went home on day 3 and could return to work just over 2 weeks following surgery.
Mr Barwood said, "SILS is part of a new generation of laparoscopic techniques (eg. NOTES and robotics) fuelled by technological advances. SILS colectomy is only suitable for a small group of patients, particularly where cosmesis and scar reduction is a priority."
Like all procedures performed at St John of God Hospital Murdoch, the new SILS technique has been through the thorough hospital credentialing procedures. The Hospital also supported the establishment of a Multidisciplinary Laparoscopic Group, whereby surgeons of different specialties collaborate and learn from each other's expertise.
St John of God Hospital Murdoch Chief Executive Officer Peter Mott said the technique was typical of the hospital's commitment to supporting innovation and best practice amongst its accredited doctors.
Mr Mott said, "St John of God Hospital Murdoch has always been recognized for a high standard of patient care and will continue to support clinicians in proven innovative clinical practice."
Annual Carols by Candlelight a success
December 2009
On Monday 14 December, more than 2,000 people packed the picturesque lakeside gardens of St John of God Hospital Murdoch on a warm summer evening for a vibrant and celebratory community Christmas Carols by Candlelight.
Compered by Perth media personality Tod Johnston, the annual event attracted people of all ages, including hundreds of children who delighted in the carols and the appearance of Santa who arrived on a Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Attendees at the event included a number of the Sisters of St John of God, many hospital caregivers, Doctors, patients and their families.
St John of God Hospital Murdoch Chief Executive Officer Peter Mott said that the event was the most successful and popular carols hosted at the Hospital to date.
Mr Mott said, "Our carols have become a popular local event and we are happy to be able to share our Christmas celebrations with the community. We were blessed with fabulous weather and I was overwhelmed by the number of people, particularly children who came up to me at the end of the evening saying how much they enjoyed it."
Sounds of the carols also drifted throughout the hospital creating a sense of occasion across the entire campus. Entertainment for the evening included the "A Cappella Praise" who delighted early arrivals, and female quartet "Feline" accompanied by the City of Canning Brass Band.
Families complete with picnic rugs and hampers began arriving at 6.00pm to snap up the best spots. There were plenty of snacks available, including a sausage sizzle hosted by the Lions Club of Bull Creek.
Proceeds from food sales and the gold coin donations for song books and candles, and a raffle organised the St John of God Hospital Murdoch Auxiliary raised almost $3,000 for St John of God Murdoch's charity of the year, Lifeline.
Retired Physician Applauded For His Contribution
December 2009
Retiring physician Vincent McCann was last night recognized as St John of God Hospital Murdoch's Doctor of the Year for 2009.
At the Hospital's annual gala end of year event, Dr McCann was recognized for his significant contribution to medicine in general and specifically to St John of God Hospital, Murdoch.Vincent McCann was born in Belfast, Northern Island in 1940 the son of Vincent McCann a doctor and Molly nee McManus. He studied medicine at Queens University Belfast graduating in 1964 and did his early postgraduate training at the Mater Hospital, the Belfast City Hospital and the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast. From 1970 to 1972 he did research on liver disease and was awarded an MD for this work.
In 1972 Vincent held a Clinical Fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio and this was followed by a period of General Medical Practice first in British Columbia and then in Fremantle. Vincent McCann was appointed Consultant Physician in endocrinology and diabetes at the Royal Perth Hospital 1975. He was appointed Senior Lecturer in Medicine, University of WA in 1985 and Chairman and Head of Department, Endocrinology and Diabetes at the Royal Perth Hospital from 1987-90 and again from 1996-99. He was Consultant Physician in Diabetes at the Repatriation General Hospital Hollywood WA, from 1985-1994.
Vincent has been active in a number of research projects including the epidemiology of diabetes and its complications, pathogenesis and immunology of diabetes, The Royal Perth Hospital diabetic survey and diabetic education. He has published extensively with over 50 papers and has made regular presentations at scientific meetings both in Australia and Internationally. He is a member of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes and a member of the Diabetes Australia. Vince ran an outpatient clinic at Manjimup Hospital for more than 30 years finishing up there in 2008.
In 1972 Vincent married Julie Breen and they have one daughter Cara who lives overseas. Dr McCann retired in stages. He commenced retirement in April 2001 leaving Royal Perth Hospital. He was appointed Emeritus Consultant Physician. He finalised his retirement at Murdoch in 2008
Doors open for a new St John of God Hospital Murdoch Christmas Tradition
November 2009
On Tuesday 1 December, St John of God Hospital Murdoch unveiled a unique three-dimensional Christmas artwork which transformed the hospital entrance.
Respected Western Australian artist, Angela Rossen has created a three-dimensional advent calendar with windows which when opened, reveal a charming and inspiring story.
St John of God Hospital Murdoch Director of Mission, Martin Loney said, "The three dimensional advent calendar features the picturesque city of Granada in southern Spain where St John of God, who inspired the Sisters and from whom their name is taken, lived and established the first hospitals for the poor."
One window will be opened each December day leading to Christmas to reveal images about the period leading to the birth of Jesus.
Mr Loney said, "St John is featured in the artwork, as are the Sisters of St John of God, residents of Granada and caregivers of the hospital.
The artwork has been cleverly designed so that it can be packed away in its own box and used for many Christmases to come - I am sure it will become an important and much loved part of St John of God Hospital Murdoch."
Patients, caregivers and visitors are invited to attend the daily opening of the window in the hospital's main reception area at approximately 9.00am.
The second element of the hospital foyer decorations is a series of beautiful "stained glass windows" and other Christmas symbols.
The unveiling marks the launch of a season of Christmas celebrations and events at the Hospital which includes functions for doctors, volunteers and caregivers, local school groups singing carols on the wards, and culminating in a Community Carols by Candlelight hosted by Todd Johnson on Monday 14 December.
Artist Profile
Angela Rossen is highly regarded for her landscape and seascape paintings, with her subject matter extending from vast landscapes and outback life of the northwest of Western Australia, to underwater and beach scenes of Rottnest and the coast of WA.
Angela is currently researching and painting underwater plants and sea meadows of WA.
She has completed numerous major painting commissions for mineral and gas companies including Chevron Texaco, Gorgon Australia, Kimberley Diamond Company, Alinta and numerous other clients including Minderoo Station.
Ms Rossen worked with two Sisters of St John of God based at Murdoch, the St John of God Heritage Centre, the Hospital Chaplain, and St John of God Hospital Murdoch Arts Consultant, Paula Silbert to bring this celebratory artwork to the public and patients.
