reconstructive plastic surgery - Macquarie University Hospital

the magazine of macquarie university hospital • autumn 2011
reconstructive
plastic surgery
paves road to recovery
New Advances in Vascular Surgery
Knowledge From Abroad
A Call For Supplementary Knowledge
New Robotic Leg
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reconstructive plastic
surgery paves roaD to
recovery
neW aDvances in
vascular surgery
KnoWleDge from
aBroaD: a neW approach
to shoulDer surgery
a call for
supplementary
KnoWleDge
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neW roBotic leg
getting cancer voices hearD
specialist Brief series
What lies Beneath
innovation
first class catering
goes DoWn Well
neWs in Brief
valuing our efforts
helicopter transfers

Frontier / Macquarie University
Hospital 2011
Please direct all editorial enquires
to Katherine Filippi,
Marketing Manager (Editor)
02 9812 3099
katherine.filippi@muh.org.au
Writer: Andrea Lewis
Contributor:
Michelle Wilson-Webster
Macquarie University Hospital,
3 Technology Place,
Macquarie University NSW 2109
www.muh.org.au
WelCoMe
TO Macquarie universiTy hOspiTal
We are fast approaching our first
year anniversary. It has been an
exciting year for everyone involved
in the development of this hospital.
Although we opened in June 2010,
the bedding down of systems and
services has continued throughout
the year.
To ensure the sustained success of
this project our staff have worked
at an extraordinary pace.
In ordinary circumstances, the
multifaceted nature of opening
and staffing a brand new hospital
is challenging. Generally, Australian
private hospitals have emerged
from smaller private health-related
facilities or public institutions.
Alternatively, private hospital
groups have built new facilities by
replicating and transferring
knowledge and processes.
We however have built our hospital
and its systems from the ground
up, by pooling the collective
knowledge of some of the country’s
most experienced administrative
and medical health professionals.
The further challenge we have
faced is introducing a number of
new technologies and processes,
many of which have been untested
in the Australian market.
These included building and
operating Australia’s first fully
digital private hospital, with an
electronic health record, and the
installation of a number of
state-of-the-art technologies
including Australia’s first and
only Gamma Knife, and the first
world-class cyclotron, CT Theatre
and a Hybrid Theatre in a private
hospital.
Although the journey has not
been without trial, we can now
unequivocally boast operating the
most advanced private hospital in
the country.
All that has been accomplished
to date has been achieved by
challenging the current status quo
within the industry. We have
examined the private hospital
sector, to see if there are areas
within it, that can be improved
upon with the aim of delivering
superior support services to
clinical staff, patients and visitors.
In this inaugural year we have
remained flexible, examining
whether these new systems and
processes are working optimally
with the aim of identifying faulty
approaches before they become
entrenched in our culture. In order
to remain the most innovative
hospital we must continually
challenge ourselves.
I am extremely proud to lead this
exceptional team. The employees
of MUH have collectively set a new
benchmark for the provision of
health services within Australia.
Robert Glynn,
CEO, Macquarie University
Hospital
2issue
3

4
ReCoNSTRUCTIVe
PlASTIC SURGeRY
PAVES ROAD TO RECOVERY
Professor AnAnd devA
And ChArlie AbdAllAh

PlASTiC SuRGEOnS AT
MACquARiE uniVERSiTY
HOSPiTAl HAVE PlAYED A kEY
ROlE in SAVinG AnD EnHAnCinG
THE quAliTY Of lifE Of CHARliE
AbDAllAH wHO SuffERED
MASSiVE injuRiES AfTER A CAR
ACCiDEnT in 2003.
When Charlie Abdallah had a car accident
almost nine years ago, he suffered multiple
and extremely serious injuries. The injuries
were primarily internal abdominal injuries –
failed kidneys, bowel and bladder, as well as
collapsed lungs. Compromised blood supply
to the right leg eventually led to a
hindquarter amputation.
“Basically, everything stopped working,
except my heart and my brain,” said Charlie.
“I have no recollection of the accident. I only
remember waking up in intensive care after
about a month.”
Charlie stayed in liverpool Hospital for a year
and nine months, spending nine months in
intensive care and a year on the wards.
Since then, he has had twenty additional
surgeries. Some have been elective, some
emergency. Many of them have involved
reconstructive plastic surgery, attempting to
close large wounds or lessen the build-up of
scar tissue.
Associate Professor Anand Deva, Head of
Plastic Surgery at Macquarie University
Hospital, has been actively involved in
Charlie’s case since the night he was first
admitted to hospital.
Part of the team who worked hard to get
him through those initial weeks, Professor
Deva said that Charlie is one of the sickest
patients he’s seen who has gone on to
survive so remarkably.
“Whilst I was consulted when he first came
in, my first major involvement with Charlie’s
recovery was in 2004, when we attempted
to heal the abdominal and pelvic wounds
that had not closed since the accident,” said
Professor Deva. “Because urine and bowel
contents were leaking through the wound,
it became a matter of priority to look at
ways of closing these wounds.
“To accelerate healing, the team used a
vacuum sponge dressing, a relatively
new technology used to treat chronic,
non-healing wounds. This provided a rapid
closure and healthy bed on which to place
skin grafts, which ultimately achieved
complete healing and prevented further
loss of blood and body fluids.”
The plastic surgery team later operated to
provide padding to Charlie’s pelvic area to
allow him to mobilise on a wheelchair.
Professor Deva also performed a cosmetic
nose operation to correct the appearance
and function of Charlie’s nose, which was
fractured during the accident.
Their biggest challenge came with the most
recent operation, performed at Macquarie
University Hospital early in 2011. The
operation involved two procedures
simultaneously: an ileostomy reversal and
an abdominal reconstruction to address
abdominal hernias that had resulted from
loss of the majority of Charlie’s abdominal
muscle and skin.
5

6
“it’s imPressive how, in
PlAnning the hosPitAl,
they looked At A lot of
hosPitAl systems –
it systems, the size of
rooms, for exAmPle
– And did A lot of
AnAlysis, then APPlied
thAt informAtion to
ACtuAlly building
the hosPitAl,” noted
Professor devA.

To recreate new skin for a reconstruction,
a process called tissue expansion was
used. Balloons were placed under the skin
and from July to November last year, they
were gradually expanded by inflation with
saline injections. The expansion of tissue
generates new healthy skin, which is used
to make up for the deficit.
During the operation, Professor Deva and
Professor Tony eyers, colorectal surgeon at
Macquarie University Hospital, worked
together first to reverse the ileostomy,
then to reconstruct the abdominal
muscles using a new dissolving mesh
and, finally, to use the expanded skin to
close the abdomen.
“I’m doing a lot better now,” said Charlie.
“The surgery at Macquarie University
Hospital was the biggest I’ve had since
the initial injuries.
“I am very grateful to Professor Deva and
also to Professor Tony eyers. Professor eyers
is known to be one of the best colorectal
surgeons, and I was lucky enough to have
him assist with the operation.
Charlie says that having the surgery at
Macquarie University Hospital was an
amazing experience.
“It’s a place where you feel very
comfortable. In other hospitals, you just
want to go home. At Macquarie, I felt very
relaxed in my surroundings. You have
enough physical pain in hospital, so it
helps if you have a positive attitude, and
your physical environment can give you
that emotional comfort.
“The hospital feels so contemporary. It’s
colourful. You want to spend time there.
even having computers over the beds with
internet connection. I’ve never been in a
hospital with internet connection. These
little things mean a lot. You’re still in touch.”
Charlie, who receives a lot of visitors when
he is in hospital, says that even they were
struck by how pleasant it was to be there
– especially the outdoor areas where
visitors can go to take a break.
ChArlie exerCising
“the hosPitAl feels
so ContemPorAry.
it’s Colourful. you
wAnt to sPend time
there. even hAving
ComPuters over the
beds with internet
ConneCtion. i’ve
never been in A
hosPitAl with
internet ConneCtion.
these little things
meAn A lot. you’re
still in touCh.”
From a doctor’s point of view, the hospital
also breaks new ground.
“It’s impressive how, in planning the
hospital, they looked at a lot of hospital
systems – IT systems, the size of rooms,
for example – and did a lot of analysis,
then applied that information to actually
building the hospital,” noted Professor Deva.
“The concept is unique in Australia. In the
US, the top medical institutions – the
Mayo Clinic, for example – are private
university hospitals. These institutions
attract the best doctors and so it is with
Macquarie University Hospital.
“It’s certainly given surgeons access to
everything that we love. I’ve done fairly
major operations there already and it’s
remarkable to work in such a new, clean
and technologically advanced
environment.
“I can do all facets of my work there – and
do them well. I can take on challenging
clinical cases; I can pursue my research
program; I have access to the newest
technologies; I can teach skills and
techniques to the next generation of
plastic surgeons; and I have adequate
funding to pursue all these goals.”
Clearly, it’s people like Charlie who
benefit from such innovation – given his
recent positive experience at the hospital.
“It’s been a long and hard process but it’s
an experience I couldn’t say I wish I had
not gone through,” reflected Charlie. It’s
given me a whole new perspective on life
and what I want to do. Something like
this moulds your personality.
“I don’t wish it on anyone. The anguish of
my family, seeing my parents facing such
pain, has been the hardest thing. But, for
me, who’s to say, if I hadn’t had this
accident, where I would have ended up.
“I did go through a short period of
depression, but you get over it. I’ve never
really felt anger. You just accept it. You get
much better at facing obstacles in your
life after everything you’ve gone through.”
Getting two university degrees – a
Bachelor of Software engineering and a
Bachelor of Mathematics – while
recovering from his injuries is a sure sign
that Charlie hasn’t given up and is able
and wanting to face new challenges. He
also trains daily and drives a car.
“I’d like to be a doctor eventually,”
said Charlie.
Responds Professor Deva: “The medical
profession needs people like Charlie, who
have been on the other side of the
hospital experience.”
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8
NeW ADVANCeS IN
VASCUlAR SURGeRY
THE VASCulAR DEPARTMEnT AT
MACquARiE uniVERSiTY HOSPiTAl
OffERS PATiEnTS THE lATEST in
MiniMAllY inVASiVE EnDOVASCulAR
SuRGERY, COMbinED wiTH THE
bEST ulTRASOunD DiAGnOSTiC
TECHnOlOGY.
Macquarie University Hospital has
established an innovative vascular
department that combines the latest
procedures and technologies in diagnostics
and treatment. With some of the most
skilled medical professionals on board, the
hospital can offer patients the highest level
of treatments available in Australia.
From commonly presenting conditions to
highly complex cases, the vascular team can
address a range of diseases quickly and
effectively.
At the heart of the vascular capabilities in
the hospital’s brand new hybrid operating
suite, is a multi-modality room incorporating
angiography capabilities and CT into the
operating theatre. The hybrid theatre
contains a robotic angiography device. The
intelligent C-arm of the robotic device
allows precision in access to a specific area
being treated.
Professor Geoffrey White, from the vascular
department, stated that this robotic-guidance
vascular intervention system is an important
advance, which offers unrivalled innovative
technology to our patients who require
minimally invasive procedures to reopen
blood vessels throughout the body. It makes
Macquarie University Hospital an ideal place
for a world centre of excellence in vascular,
endovascular and cardiovascular care.
“our patients benefit from this technology
since the procedures can be completed
more quickly and safely, usually under
simple local anaesthesia, with return to
home the same or next day,” said Professor
White. “In addition, the robotic system
incorporates state-of-the-art features, which
allow us to reduce our patients’ exposure to
x-rays, while providing advanced
3-dimensional images of organs and vessels
for complex procedures, including hybrid
interventions which can combine the best
combination of surgery and other
technology, known as hybrid procedures.”
Dr Michael Stephen, another of the
well-respected vascular surgeons at
Macquarie University Hospital, agrees that
the hybrid operating theatre allows
surgeons to perform the most advanced
procedures very effectively and efficiently.
“Vascular surgical advances are clearly
oriented towards minimally invasive,
endovascular procedures using radiological
control,” said Dr Stephen. “Macquarie
University Hospital has one of the most
advanced hybrid suites in the world. This
high-resolution and the robotic capability
also allows for complex endoluminal
surgery to be undertaken, as well as the
conventional and hybrid cases, without
having to move the patient to a different
theatre. This markedly simplifies the more
standard interventions.”
Through minimally invasive catheter
procedures and endovascular and surgical
reconstruction, vascular surgeons at
Macquarie University Hospital work mostly
in the three main arterial treatment areas.
These are ischemic lower limbs (hardening
of the arteries, causing leg pain or disability),
aneurysms (particularly affecting the
abdominal and thoracic aorta), and visceral
arterial disease (including abdominal and
cerebrovascular disease).
The vascular team is fortunately placed by
having expert close links with the
cardiological and neurological departments
to help both pre and post-operative
assessment and management of individual
patients. In combination with an advanced
Intensive Care Unit, this multi-disciplinary
approach adds a higher dimension of
patient certainty and safety.
All vascular surgeons are actively engaged
in research through the Australian School in
Advanced Medicine, doing clinical trials in
areas including revascularisation of the smaller
blood vessels, drug-eluting balloons and
stents to deliver medication to hyperplastic
artery walls, and aortic dissections.
The other big advance that Macquarie
brings to the vascular arena in the private
sector is a highly sophisticated diagnostic
vascular ultrasound laboratory.
Kathryn Busch, Practice Manager of the
laboratory, says that when Macquarie
established the laboratory, decisions were
taken to install only the newest and the most
accurate diagnostic equipment available.
“The ultrasound we have in the lab is the
Philips iU22,” explained Ms Busch. “It’s the
newest on the market and able to produce
extraordinarily high-resolution results. Many
of our patients can have their arterial or
venous problem diagnosed by ultrasound,
which allows many to avoid the need for
vascular x-rays.”
The technology uses an ultra-thin targeted
ultrasound beam that, by way of a PureWave
transducer, can gather over 9000 different
active elements and process them into
harnessed power more than 25 times
greater than today’s conventional
transducers. It not only captures crisp,
high-resolution images, but can image on
two planes and add 3D imaging if required.
“The iU22 enables us to work faster, and
with improved precision,” said Ms Busch.
“Accurate diagnosis is everything, when a
patient first comes in.
“With more accurate diagnosis, a patient can
receive more targeted treatment by the
vascular surgeons, and for many of the vein
procedures, we then use the ultrasound to
guide the treatment and watch the result,
rather than x-ray.”
Macquarie University Hospital is fortunate to
have someone as highly qualified as Ms
Busch, who has also won numerous awards
for research, including the Scientific Award
for excellence in Scientific Research from
the US Society for Vascular Ultrasound, and
the eugene Strandness Scientific Prize for
best clinical presentation at a conference in
Baltimore, from the same Society.

dr miChAel stePhen,
kAthryn busCh And
AssoCiAte Professor.
geoffrey white
mACQuArie university
hosPitAl’s hybrid theAtre
ContAins the first robotiC
AngiogrAPhy deviCe in An
AustrAliAn hosPitAl.
MACQUARIe
VeIN ClINIC &
TReATMeNT CeNTRe
one of the most common conditions in
all ages of people is the development of
varicose veins. vein disorders will soon be
the focus of a new clinic for assessment
and management of venous disease being
established at macquarie university
hospital.
“with modern advanced techniques, most
of our patients with vein troubles treated
at the clinic or hospital can expect
excellent results and to be back out of the
hospital the same day, often after less than
an hour,” said dr raffi Qasabian, who is also
part of this hospital’s vascular team.
the vein treatment Clinic will utilise
non-surgical varicose vein treatments such
as sclerotherapy (vein injections), vein
ablation and endovenous laser treatment.
“the goal is always to offer minimally
invasive techniques to a patient first,” said
dr michael stephen. “the clinic will be able
to offer many of the latest of these,
especially for the most common types of
superficial minor vein conditions.”
9

10
KNoWleDGe FRoM ABRoAD
A nEw APPROACH TO SHOulDER SuRGERY AT
MACquARiE uniVERSiTY HOSPiTAl
kAlmAn And his fAmily dr lAurent lAfosse, ChAir of
the AlPs surgery institute
RECEnTlY TRAinED AT THE
wORlD fAMOuS AlPS
SuRGERY inSTiTuTE in
fRAnCE, AuSTRAliAn
SHOulDER SuRGEOn,
DR kAlMAn PiPER, bRinGS
THE lATEST SHOulDER
SuRGiCAl TECHniquES TO
MACquARiE uniVERSiTY
HOSPiTAl.
In the past, many shoulder conditions
were managed without surgery. Now,
researchers are finding that results from
non-operative approaches are not always
favourable in the long term. As a result,
surgeons are offering surgical solutions
earlier rather than later when a patient
presents with certain conditions.
Macquarie University Hospital offers
patients the most innovative procedures
in shoulder surgery. Many of these are
now offered as keyhole and arthroscopy
techniques – rather than as traditional
surgery – where a camera and instruments
are inserted through much smaller incisions
around the shoulder. The surgeon then
performs the surgery while watching an
image of the shoulder on a monitor.
Macquarie University Hospital
orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Kalman Piper, has
recently returned from Annecy, France,
where he completed a year of training in
Advanced Shoulder Surgery under the
world-renowned surgeon Dr Laurent
Lafosse, Chair of the Alps Surgery Institute
and a pioneer of modern shoulder
surgery. Dr Lafosse, regarded as one of the
world leaders in arthroscopic shoulder
surgery, is an international consultant and
speaker and was recently invited to lecture
in Australia.
Dr Piper was one of the first Australian
doctors to receive training from Dr Lafosse
and now brings with him skills in several
innovative techniques.
“A lot has changed since I began my
original orthopaedic training ten years
ago,” said Dr Piper. “The latest
developments are moving towards
keyhole or arthroscopic procedures. The
Alps Surgery Institute is one of the world
leaders in developing new techniques and
in training doctors.”
One of the most common conditions that
shoulder surgeons encounter is a rotator
cuff tear. While it is often associated with
an injury to the shoulder, tears are present
in many patients over the age of 60 years
with no history of shoulder injury. In the
past, this condition used to be managed
by physiotherapy, with open surgery
reserved for those who had ongoing pain
for many months. Now surgery is
performed for more patients using
keyhole techniques and is showing
improved long-term outcomes.
Another common condition – whose
treatment has seen rapid advances – is
shoulder dislocation. In young adult males
who have had a shoulder dislocation, the
recurrence rates are as high as 85 per cent.
Surgery is now recommended for most

patients with shoulder instability. There has
been an evolution in surgical techniques,
tailoring surgical solutions to the severity of
damage within the shoulder.
Dr lafosse developed the innovative
arthroscopic laterjet procedure that
addresses the problem of recurrent shoulder
dislocation. This French procedure has been
performed via open surgery for about 20
years, and has a proven track record.
Dr lafosse’s new arthroscopic technique is
the next generation in the management of
shoulder dislocation, and the newly
developed instruments for performing the
surgery using keyhole incisions became
available in Australia earlier this year. The
technique is now the most advanced
procedure available for challenging
shoulder dislocation patients, and is offered
at Macquarie University Hospital.
Dr Piper and his team at Macquarie
University Hospital can also perform
shoulder replacement using minimally
invasive techniques.
“Shoulder replacement traditionally involved
cutting the tendons at the front of the
shoulder to insert a metal prosthesis,” said
Dr Piper. “The minimally invasive technique
involves insertion of the prosthesis between
the tendons, without having to cut them,
allowing faster recovery and earlier
rehabilitation.”
Similarly, the reverse shoulder replacement
is a new innovation in shoulder surgery.
Used in the management of massive
irreparable rotator cuff tears, the reverse
shoulder replacement solves a very difficult
management problem.
“If damaged for a long time, it is impossible
to repair the rotator cuff tendons,” Dr Piper
explained. “The torn rotator cuff tendons
retract, scar-up and lose strength, eventually
leaving the patient with an arm that is stuck
by their side and useless. The reverse
shoulder replacement gives patients the
chance to regain some shoulder function as
it does not rely on the rotator cuff to work.”
Dr Piper says that performing these
procedures at Macquarie University Hospital
is, in many ways, a surgeon’s dream. The
brand new facilities at the hospital give him
easy access to the latest equipment.
“The surgical equipment is state-of-the-art,
and the digital cameras and monitors used
to perform keyhole surgery are of the highest
available quality,” noted Dr Piper. “As a
doctor, you can see so much more through
enhanced imaging. Better imaging means
safer surgery and better patient outcomes.”
“The facilities also mean that we can provide
better teaching opportunities. We can
record images and use them when
teaching. In addition, live surgery can be
broadcast between MUH and other
hospitals, not just in Australia but
internationally. This allows the spirit of
surgical education, training and sharing of
knowledge to flourish.”
“Macquarie University Hospital not only
provides patients with the latest in surgical
options utilising advanced technology,
but as a surgeon, it is a very exciting place
to work.”
For more information on shoulder surgery
visit Dr Piper’s website at www.kaliper.com.au
or phone 02 9113 0606 for an appointment.
11

12
Professor hosen kiAt,
heAd of mediCine And CArdiology
At mACQuArie university hosPitAl
A CAll FoR
SUPPleMeNTARY
KNoWleDGe
The complementary and alternative
medicine industry in Australia is now worth
$2 billion annually. Most supplement use is
largely self-administered or recommended
by natural therapists – rather than by a
medical doctor.
When patients begin taking dietary
supplements, how they effect the action of
prescription medications a patient might be
taking is generally not considered.
Concern about what doctors do not know
about supplement use by cardiology
patients – and how alternative medicines
interface with the biotherapeutic action of
prescription medications – led Professor
Hosen Kiat, Head of Medicine and
Cardiology at Macquarie University Hospital
and School of Advanced Medicine, to
examine the issue more closely.
Professor Kiat and PhD student Dr Yu Sun
Bin conducted a systematic literature review
using international bibliographic databases
– including Medline, eMBASe, CINAHl, Allied
and Complementary Medicine (AMeD),
Australian Medical Index (Meditext), Health
and Society (H&S) and International
Pharmacy Abstracts (IPA).
They focused on the prevalence of dietary
supplement use in people with
cardiovascular risk factors or proven
cardiovascular diseases – a population
already at increased risk of acute lifethreatening
events. They also looked at the
rate of disclosure of this information to a
patient’s treating physician.

A COMPREHEnSiVE
liTERATuRE REViEw finDS
THAT PHYSiCiAnS knOw
SuRPRiSinGlY liTTlE AbOuT
THEiR CARDiAC PATiEnTS’
DiETARY SuPPlEMEnT uSE
– A SiTuATiOn THAT COulD
COMPROMiSE THE EffECTiVE
TREATMEnT Of SERiOuS
HEART COnDiTiOnS.
over 500 articles were retrieved and
20 studies met the criteria for the review.
Their meta-analysis revealed that while the
use of dietary supplements is common –
with up to 64 per cent of cardiac patients
taking supplements – most treating
physicians (40 to 95 per cent) are not aware
of their patients’ supplement use.
The research found that when patients were
asked why they did not disclose
supplement use to their doctors, they
placed the responsibility with their doctors,
saying that they thought their doctors
would ask if the issue was of significance.
“This has profound implications,” said
Professor Kiat. “For more than half of all
doctors never to ask about medications
other than prescription medications is
potentially troubling.”
Professor Kiat’s concern lies in the fact that
supplements could potentially interfere
with the effectiveness of prescription
medications or produce clinically important
drug interactions.
“A typical example is blood thinners, which
are widely used in cardiology,” said Professor
Kiat. “Warfarin, aspirin and clopidogrel, for
example, are potent drugs in themselves.
“Many patients, however, take additional
supplements that have blood thinning
properties – such as ginkgo, fish oil, vitamin
e, ginger, garlic and glucosamine.
Alternatively, some patients take vitamin K
or St John’s wort, which could reduce the
blood thinning effect of warfarin. either way,
these supplements and possibly others may
result in deleterious effects for a patient.
“We have not yet had robust clinical studies
evaluating the impact of supplements on
prescription medications, so this situation is
further complicated.
“even if patients did disclose their
supplement use – and many patients might
be taking three to five different types of
supplements – then it is still difficult for a
doctor to control or adjust the prescription
medication accordingly.”
Because of the potential for negative effects,
Professor Kiat says change is needed.
“It is very important that doctors ask
specifically what complementary medicines
their patients are taking, in addition to their
questions about prescription medication,”
explained Professor Kiat.
“The key is that doctors must actually ask
this question in order to give patients a
window of opportunity to disclose
pertinent information.”
But this alone is not enough. In addition to
more research on the interaction between
alternative and prescription medicines,
pharmacology training around this is
important.
“even if the research exists, if a doctor
doesn’t know what fish oil does, then that is
an impediment to his or her practice,”
explained Professor Kiat. “education in at
least the most commonly used supplements,
the top ten – such as ginkgo, ginseng, folic
acid, vitamin e, evening primrose oil and fish
oil – would make a difference.”
Ideally, this education would form part of
pharmacology training in medical schools,
but it could also be available as continuing
education for doctors already practicing.
There are also cultural differences that doctors
need to be aware of. The Chinese community
might make extensive use of ginseng, but a
patient from the Arab community may
never have heard of this supplement.
Doctors must be able to address different
communities’ habits. education and
awareness training could target doctors
working in specific communities to make
sure they have culturally relevant knowledge.
Professor Kiat says that some advanced and
informal training is already happening. For
example, the complementary medicine and
education group (CompleMeD) at the
University of Western Sydney, to which he
belongs, is comprised of scientists and
doctors undertaking robust research into
complementary medicine and promoting
awareness and education to GPs and
specialists.
“Whether we like it or not, our patients are
taking complementary medicines,” noted
Professor Kiat. “We may agree or disagree,
but it’s happening and it’s our duty as
physicians to know what a patient is taking
and how to respond effectively.”
13

14
SuRGEOnS fROM MACquARiE
uniVERSiTY HOSPiTAl HAVE
PERfORMED THE fiRST OPERATiOn
in AuSTRAliA uSinG An innOVATiVE
RObOTiC lEG iMPlAnT fOR PATiEnTS
wiTH AbOVE-knEE AMPuTATiOnS.
NeW
RoBoTIC leG
Patients requiring a prosthetic lower limb
now have available to them an innovative
approach to rehabilitating their injury with
the arrival of the endo-exo Prosthesis in
Australia.
Professor Munjed Al Muderis, orthopaedic
surgeon at Macquarie University Hospital
and clinical lecture at the Australian School
of Advanced Medicine, has performed the
first operation using the new technology.
Professor Muderis trained in the procedure
through a postgraduate fellowship in
lubeck, Germany, where the technique was
developed in 1999. The technique is based
in tooth implant principles, developed by
dental surgeons.
The robotic leg innovation lies in the way in
which the prosthesis is attached to the
upper limb.
Previously, a vacuum prosthetic leg was
used. This fit over the skin of the remaining
part of the upper limb, but presented a
myriad of problems including friction with
the skin, pain and the risk of infection.
“The new technology works by securing the
prosthesis by using a stem that goes
through the distal femur bone, rather than
over the skin,” explained Dr Muderis. “The
stem is then attached to the robotic leg.
“The prosthesis avoids any contact between
prosthesis and skin, which created problems
in the past between the prosthesis and the
soft tissue of the femur stump.”
It’s a two-stage operation. The first stage
comprises attaching the endo-prosthesis, by
screwing it to the internal part of the bone.
The second part involves inserting the
robotic leg onto the endo-prosthesis.
“The technology provides a safe and
permanent connection between the
prosthesis and the bone,” said Professor
Muderis. “And the benefits to a patient’s
quality of life are enormous.
“The biomechanics of the prosthesis are so
advanced that patients experience much
greater mobility and a return to near-normal
gait. We are seeing patients return to
pre-injury levels of activity.
“Another important outcome is that the
robotic leg reduces the load on the body.
Conventional prostheses take an additional

30 percent of energy from a patient, which
can add stress to the heart and other organs.
“With the endo-exo Prosthesis, because
the patient’s body load is carried by the
prosthesis, rather than the ilium, it enables
a better range of movement and so
easier walking.
“People who have received this type of
prosthesis can return to work and normal
life much faster and more effectively.”
The procedure has the potential to help a
significant number of people who have
below-knee amputations. Surgeons are
hoping to work closely with – amongst
other groups – the Department of Defense
to be able to offer the procedure to war
veterans who have lost their lower limbs.
Dr Muderis and the orthopaedic team offer
all aspects of hip, knee, ankle, hand and limb
surgery at Macquarie University Hospital. Dr
Muderis’ special interests are in advanced
hip and knee arthroscopy techniques.
The orthopaedic department is committed
to training the future generation of
surgeons, and will begin offering a
fellowship program in May this year.
right: Professor
munjed Al muderis
Above: the teAm in
theAtre
15

16
THE wEll-RESPECTED
ADVOCACY GROuP
CAnCER VOiCES nSw
will COllAbORATE
wiTH MACquARiE
uniVERSiTY HOSPiTAl
TO EnSuRE THAT PATiEnT
nEEDS AnD HOSPiTAl
SERViCES ARE AliGnED.
Robust dialogue between patient needs
and hospital services is vital if the health
sector is to deliver the best possible services.
When it comes to cancer, this task is
challenging because the disease is complex
and the patient journey often a long and
difficult one.
The independent consumer advocacy
group Cancer Voices NSW was established
to keep that dialogue alive, taking the
voices of patients diagnosed with cancer to
government, medical and other health
services organisations.
Sally Crossing, Founder and Chair of Cancer
Voices NSW, established the group ten years
ago, initially influenced by her own breast
cancer experiences. She left a career in the
banking and government sectors to devote
herself to addressing the pressing need for a
state-wide cancer consumer voice. That
voice would give patients what they needed
to be able to influence decision-makers and
become more effective health consumers.
In 1997, Sally started the Breast Cancer
Action Group NSW. Along with other
like-minded cancer consumers, Sally realised
that many issues for cancer patients were
the same – regardless of cancer type – and
that a collective voice could bring more
powerful results. Cancer Voices NSW was set
up in 2000 and has just celebrated its first
successful decade.
The group is now a robust advocacy group
that is getting some big wins for patients.
“our role is to say ‘this is what patients need;
this is what patients would like,’” said Sally.
“In this sense, we are the dialogue between
patients, doctors and the health system’s
decision-makers. For cancer patients, there
are lots of unknowns. They need support
when they walk into a hospital. Things need
to be made easier for them.
“That’s part of the work that Cancer Voices
NSW is interested in. And it’s part of what we
will be doing with Macquarie University
Hospital.”
This work contributes to the group’s wider
purpose: to enable cancer patients to
become informed health consumers, where
access to reliable information is a key step in
becoming an active part of the decisionmaking
process.
“I took a few wrong turns, when I was
initially diagnosed,” said Sally. “I followed
what was recommended to me, rather than
making some of my own decisions based
on well-researched and credible information.
“Initiatives to better inform cancer patients
are often simple in concept, but of huge
significance for those needing the services.
“For example, we advocated for and helped
develop a consumer friendly cancer trials
website, so that people could review the
research being done and see if there was a
clinical trial that might suit their own cancer
profile. It’s now hosted by Cancer Australia.
Another much-needed initiative has been
establishing a directory of specialists and
surgeons. For cancer patients, often finding
the right health care professional is a crucial
step in their treatment.
“Following only a GPs advice may not serve
a particular patient well,” said Sally. “A GP
may not know the full range of cancer
specialists, or which are connected to
appropriate multidisciplinary teams. So the
Breast Cancer Action Group NSW, together

sAlly Crossing
GeTTING CANCeR VoICeS
HeARD
17

18
At the Macquarie University Hospital Cancer Care
Centre we are committed to providing you and
your patients with access to fast effective and
coordinated services. As the country’s first and only
not for profit private hospital, located on a university
campus, we have access to the latest developments
in treatment and research. We are part of a large
and integrated medical community that includes
the Macquarie University Clinic, the Australian
School of Advanced Medicine and a number of
other colocated service partners. This means we
are able to fast track your patient’s diagnosis and
treatment in one convenient location.
The on-site service partners include:
• Genesis Cancer Care
• Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology
• Macquarie Medical Imaging
• Macquarie University Hospital Pharmacy
A team of cancer specialists will work
collaboratively with you and your patient to
develop an individualised care plan. Your
patient will be guided through this pathway
by a dedicated nurse care coordinator.
For more information please contact
1800 MUH Cancer
with NSW Breast Cancer Institute, compiled
a directory to make this information readily
accessible.
“later, Cancer Voices NSW lobbied the
Cancer Institute NSW to develop a webbased
online cancer services directory, and
this will be available mid-year.”
At Macquarie University Hospital, Cancer
Voices NSW will work collaboratively with
surgeons, oncology specialists and the
hospital’s administrative staff to achieve the
best care and outcomes for patients.
Sally is a supporter of the comprehensive
approach to cancer services – using
multidisciplinary teams – that Macquarie
University Hospital has established, and
follows a ‘working in partnership’ approach
with hospital decision-makers in areas such
as diagnosis, treatment, research, support
and care.
“The issues that we see emerging are
fairly consistent,” said Sally. “They include
better access to best practice care and
support, easy access to reliable information,
involvement in research, and consumer
participation in policy and treatment
decisions.
“A recent example of our work is the
three-year campaign for Radiotherapy for
Public Cancer Patients on the Central Coast
that we ran. It aimed to address the absence
of public radiotherapy services in the
densely populated region between Sydney
and Newcastle. We were successful in
securing not only the radiotherapy services
we had identified as so important, but $39
million in federal and state funding for a
whole new regional cancer centre.”
Cancer Voices NSW also collaborates with
the Cancer Council NSW in running Cancer
Consumer Advocacy Training courses.
These offer skills and confidence for cancer
consumers interested in being a
representative or advocate for Cancer Voices
NSW. Also on offer are Consumer Research
Training courses for cancer consumers
interested in influencing the direction of
cancer research.
“You have to keep listening to members to
see what issues they are facing and what
their needs are,” said Sally. “Sometimes, those
needs are very obvious; it’s just that they
haven’t been addressed yet.”
Working on a full-time voluntary basis, Sally
also co-founded Health Consumers NSW, a
peak health consumer group that provides a
voice at state and national tables. Prior to
the group’s existence, New South Wales was
the only state not to have such a group.
In 2005, Sally was appointed a Member of
the order of Australia (AM) for service to the
community through health care consumer
advocacy.
www.cancervoices.org
www.australiancancertrials.gov.au
mACQuArie university hosPitAl
Cancer Care Centre

the specialist
brief
macquarie university
hospital has continued
hosting its highly successful
brief specialist series.
sydney gPs participate in
interactive educational
sessions by leading
macquarie university
hospital specialists. As
well as learning about
developments in each
specialist’s respective fields,
gPs have the opportunity to
raise questions and discuss
issues with these experts.
these events begin with a
short tour of the hospital
and are then followed on
by dinner and rotating
presentations.
for information regarding
upcoming events please call
marketing manager,
katherine filippi
9812 3099.
GASTROeNTeROLOGY AT
MACqUARIe UNIVeRSITY
HOSPITAL
TUeSDAY 9 NOVeMbeR 2010
Prof john Cartmill
Colorectal surgery
Colonoscopy & endoscopy
9812 3880
Prof tony eyers
Colorectal surgery
Colonoscopy & endoscopy
9812 3880
dr Anil keshava
Colorectal surgery
Colonoscopy & endoscopy
9812 3880
dr samuel kuo
upper gastrointestinal surgery
Upper Gastrointestinal &
Hepatobiliary Surgery
9812 3880
A/Prof Alice lee
gastroenterology
Hepatology & Advanced
Therapeutic endoscopy
9812 3880
dr eric lee
gastroenterology
Advanced Therapeutic endoscope
9812 3880
A/Prof rupert w leong
gastroenterology
Advanced Therapeutic endoscope
9812 3880
dr matt rickard
Colorectal surgery
Colonoscopy & endoscopy
9812 3880
HOT TOPICS IN MeDICAL
IMAGING AT MACqUARIe
UNIVeRSITY HOSPITAL
MONDAY 28 FebRUARY 2011
Prof john magnussen
radiology
Interventional Radiology &
Oncology
9430 1100
dr mark wilkinson
radiology
Interventional Neuroradiology
9430 1100
dr luke deady
radiology
Musculoskeletal Imaging
9430 1100
dr yang-yi ong
radiology
Abdominal and breast Imaging
9430 1100
CARDIAC HeALTH AT MACqUARIe
UNIVeRSITY HOSPITAL
WeDNeSDAY 2 MARCH 2011
Prof hosen kiat
Cardiology
Preventative Cardiology,
Noninvasive Cardiovascular
9858 9898
dr Anil Aggarwala
Cardiology
Interventional Cardiology
9858 9898
dr Probal roy
Cardiology
Interventional Cardiology,
Medical epidemiology
9856 1875
dr imran kassam
Cardiology
electrophysiology,
Heart Failure, Pacing
9858 9898
HAND SURGeRY AT MACqUARIe
UNIVeRSITY HOSPITAL
TUeSDAY 8 MARCH 2011
A/Prof graham gumley
hand surgery
9812 3980
dr mark rider
hands surgery
Cosmetic, Plastic and
Hand Surgery
9812 3980
dr nicholas smith
hand surgery
Thumb CMC Arthritis, Wrist &
elbow Arthroscopy
9806 3333
dr Anne wajon
Physiotherapy
Hand & Upper Limb Therapy
9812 3982
dr michael dowd
hand surgery
Hand Surgery & Plastic
1300 373 693
PLASTIC SURGeRY AT MACqUARIe
UNIVeRSITY HOSPITAL
MONDAY 14 MARCH 2011
A/Prof Anand deva
Cosmetic & Plastic surgery
Cosmetic, Plastic &
Reconstructive Surgery
9542 8391
dr steven merten
Cosmetic & Plastic surgery
Hand Surgery, Cosmetic
& Plastic Surgery
9252 9262
dr gazi hussain
Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery
Cosmetic & Reconstructive
4321 0344
dr Peter vickers
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral Surgery, Facial Pain,
Facial Trauma
9439 3899
19

20
A nEw ZEiSS PEnTERO
MiCROSCOPE iS HElPinG
SuRGEOnS AT MACquARiE
uniVERSiTY HOSPiTAl TO
PERfORM PROCEDuRES wiTH
unPRECEDEnTED ACCuRACY.
WHAT lIeS
BeNeATH
Microscopes bring surgeons two
important features: magnification
and bright light. As microscopes
have advanced over the years for
medical purposes, they’ve
become more user-friendly, now
incorporating features such as
free-floating stands that allow the
surgeon to easily change the
position of the microscope.
Despite these advances, microscopes
– in the words of Professor Michael
Morgan, Vice President, Health and
Medical Development at Macquarie
University Hospital – have only
every allowed you to “see what you
can see.”
The new Carl Zeiss oPMI Pentero,
installed in Macquarie University
Hospital’s brand new CT scan
operating Theatre, does something
revolutionary: it allows you to see
what is, essentially, out of sight.
“The big advance with the Zeiss
Pentero,” said Professor Morgan, “is
that it can provide displays of what
is hidden to the eye. It allows us to
see into cavities and below surfaces.”
For example, the microscope allows
surgeons to make judgements
regarding the internal activity of
blood vessels, when fluorescent dye
is injected.
In addition, stereotactic technology
that throws a beam down to the
surface of the surgeon’s view, can
also show a surgeon what lies
beneath a tissue surface by
correlating what is seen with the
MRI or CT scan images. Viewing
what is technically ‘out of sight’
means surgeons can detect lesions
or tumours that would otherwise
be hidden.
“The Zeiss Pentero design is based on
the fighter pilot’s heads-up display
technology,” explained Professor
Morgan. “The display presents data
without requiring the operator – in
this case, the surgeon – to turn or
look away from the surgical field in
order to read images.
“It does this by superimposing the
MRI image through a transparent
medium onto the surgical field, as
seen through the microscope.”
The microscope provides advanced
intra-operative diagnostics that can
assist doctors significantly during
treatment of a patient.
Used at Macquarie University
Hospital in brain and spinal surgery,
the microscope will benefit
surgeons doing a range of
procedures, including tumour
removal and common aneurysms.
“Whereas before, one had to make
an informed guess regarding the
condition and location of what we
needed to look at, now we can be
certain where to target an
intervention,” said Professor Morgan.
“It lifts spine and neurosurgery to a
new level, by providing
unprecedented accuracy.”

this PAge: Professor miChAel
morgAn, neurosurgeon And viCe
President, heAlth And mediCAl
develoPment At mACQuArie
university hosPitAl
left: Professor mArCus stoodley
using the zeiss Pentero miCrosCoPe
21

22
INNoVATIoN
AT MACQUARIe UNIVeRSITY HoSPITAl
ASAM
One of the vital components of Macquarie
University Hospital is its approach to
education. The Australian School of
Advanced Medicine is the first medical
school in Australia to be linked to a private
teaching hospital on a university campus.
The school brings together world-class
clinicians, researchers and medical
educators to create innovative training
programs with a focus on future trends
in medicine. Together the collocated
facilities offer an integrated approach to
clinical care, teaching and research. ASAM
provides post-fellowship, sub-specialty
training in medicine and surgery as well as
higher research degrees. These two partner
organisation offer doctors what wasn’t
previously available in Australia. ASAM is
the first medical school in Australia to award
degrees for sub-specialties in surgery. The
organisation only accepts to its programs
scholars who are already qualified surgeons
or specialists and are seeking sub-specialty
training. Scholars work as doctors, while
they advance their own education and
participate in research.

GAMMA knifE
As an important part of the oncology
services, Macquarie University Hospital can
proudly boast the nation’s first and only
Gamma Knife. Gamma Knife surgery has
revolutionised the management of brain
tumours and many other brain conditions
that might have previously required invasive
surgery. The Gamma Knife system is an
intracranial radiosurgery technique using
focused gamma rays on a highly defined
target area of the brain. one hundred and
ninety-two radiation beams from cobalt-60
sources converge with extremely high
accuracy on the identified area. Because
each individual beam has low intensity, it
does not affect the healthy tissue through
which it passes.
ADVAnCED iMAGinG
The hospital has a collaborative research
agreement in place to use the cyclotron
owned by private company Cyclopet.
The cyclotron plays an important part in
advanced brain, heart and cancer imaging.
The specialised piece of equipment
produces radio-isotopes that enable
advanced three dimensional scanning for
more accurate diagnosis of the brain, heart
or cancers.
HYbRiD THEATRE
The hospital’s hybrid theatre contains
the first robotic angiography device in
an Australian hospital. Until recently, the
manoeuvring of the structure that holds
the x-ray delivery and receiving instruments
has been highly complicated, requiring
radiologists to stop their work to change the
position of various devices. The intelligent
C-arm allows doctors and nurses to move
around the theatre without being distracted
from the immediate care of their patient.
fullY DiGiTAl fACiliTY
With patient medical records being one of
the most crucial parts of delivering safe and
efficient medical care, Macquarie University
Hospital has put into place a hospital-wide
electronic system for documenting patient
information. Currently, in most hospitals,
a patient’s physical chart is still the focal
point for care delivery. If that chart is not
at the foot of a patient’s bed, records can’t
be checked or updated and the risk of
error exists. With Macquarie University
Hospital’s paperless system, information is
always instantly available and a patient’s
journey can be tracked throughout the
entire hospital system. Macquarie University
Hospital is the first hospital in Australia to
be completely electronic. It is a virtually
paperless system where all documentation
is completed electronically anywhere within
the hospital.
23

24
FIRST ClASS
CATeRING
GOES DOwn wEll
unDER THE CAREful GuiDAnCE Of
HOTEl SERViCES MAnAGER, kEVin
kEllY, MACquARiE uniVERSiTY
HOSPiTAl HAS SuCCESSfullY
ACHiEVED A fiRST-ClASS CATERinG
SYSTEM – wiTH A fOCuS On PATiEnT
HEAlTH AnD wEllbEinG.
Meals are an important part of a patient’s
hospital stay. They not only create a point of
interest in a day, but they can and should
have a positive effect on both emotional
and physical healing.
Macquarie University Hospital has thrown
everything into making sure this aspect of its
patient services is nothing short of first class.
In March 2010, in the final stages of
preparing the hospital for its opening,
Macquarie University Hospital employed
Hotel Services Manager Kevin Kelly to build
and lead a team incorporating three areas:
the Catering Department, Harley’s Café and
environmental Services.
In the Catering Department, Kevin has
received outstanding support from
executive Chef, Gerhard Scherer, and
Café Manager, David Best.
Working to a very tight time frame, these
section heads have been instrumental in
building Macquarie University Hospital’s
excellent catering services. The team has
had to hire and train close to 100 staff,
ensure fit out of all areas, purchase and
install a vast amount of equipment, develop
scores of supporting policies and procedures,
and put into place work plans and flows.
“This task presented an enormous challenge
to the team,” recalled Kevin. “But the team
delivered results far exceeding the
expectations of the hospital’s executive. The
team’s dedication ensured that the hospital
could open on time, function effectively and
live up to its promise of excellence in every
area of the business.
“For the Catering Department, the key
challenges were to equip the kitchen,
design a dietician-approved menu that
would be well received by patients, develop
and implement a comprehensive food
safety program and have it accredited by
the Food Authority.”
one of the ways in which the Catering
Department achieved this so successfully
was through the installation of the Delegate
food ordering system for patients. Delegate
is a state-of-the-art touch screen system
that allows patients to order their meals via
the computer cockpit in their room. only
food appropriate to their medical condition
and allergies is offered to them.
The hospital’s Diet office scrutinised some
600 recipes provided by the executive Chef,
creating therapeutic diets and detecting
potential allergens before uploading the
final menu into the system.
To make meals as appetising as possible,
each meal was professionally photographed
before being entered onto the Delegate
system. This visual effect encourages
patients to eat, thus avoiding possible
nutritional issues and improving
accessibility for patients from non-english
speaking backgrounds.
In all, 370 meal combinations were designed
to meet all possible dietary requirements
such as low GI, coeliac and countless others.
In addition, the catering staff worked closely
with clinical staff as the kitchen relies upon
correct information being entered into the
system from the wards, such as nil-bymouth
or clear fluids.
Macquarie University Hospital has been the
first hospital in the country to utilise the
touch screen facility of Delegate making it

MACquARiE uniVERSiTY HOSPiTAl
HAS bEEn THE fiRST HOSPiTAl in
THE COunTRY TO uTiliSE THE TOuCH
SCREEn fACiliTY Of THE DElEGATE
fOOD ORDERinG SYSTEM, MAkinG
iT An innOVATiVE ADDiTiOn TO
THE PRiVATE HOSPiTAl SYSTEM in
AuSTRAliA.
an innovative addition to the private
hospital system in Australia.
The efforts of the Catering Department have
been recognised by its recent award of an
“A” rating by the Food Authority. To date,
Macquarie University Hospital appears to be
the only new site ever to be awarded this
prestigious grading upon initial inspection.
“As a result of close collaboration and monthly
meetings, our team now has a vibrant ‘can
do’ attitude,” said Kevin. “At team meetings,
we review our approaches to see if they are
working and, if not, we change them. The
team is, as a result, extremely progressive.
“The team learns from its mistakes and
resolves issues quickly. The group is
noteworthy for its dedication and
determination, and for the pride with which
they do their work.
“Feedback from everyone has been
overwhelmingly positive. While staff carry
out their duties, confident in the training
they have received, the flow-on health
effects for patients are positive, as they are
cared for in an environment which is
second to none.”
in ADDiTiOn TO PROViDinG All
PATiEnT MEAlS, THE CATERinG
DEPARTMEnT AlSO PREPARES
THEATRE MEAlS, CATERS fOR uP TO
40 funCTiOnS PER MOnTH, PROViDES
nuTRiTiOuS MEAlS fOR THE VERY
wElCOMinG ViSiTORS’ EATERY,
HARlEY’S CAfé, AnD SERViCES THE
STAff DininG ROOM.
25

26
news
i n• b r i e f
PAin MAnAGEMEnT AT MuH
Macquarie University Hospital has recently
purchased a Pain Management
Radiofrequency Generator. This will allow
the hospital to offer a range of interventional
pain management procedures in the
angiography suite including radiofrequency
facet joint denervation.
Up to 25% of low back pain and 50% of
post-whiplash neck pain arises from the
spinal facet joints. Radiofrequency lesioning
of the facet joint nerves is a minimally
invasive procedure that has been proven to
be an effective treatment for these
extremely common types of pain.
Dr lewis Holford will head up the area. He is
an interventional Pain Medicine Specialist.
If you require any further information
regarding these services please contact
Dr Holford on 1300 622 782.
AngiogrAPhy suite

MEMbER fOR bEnnElOnG ViSiTS MuH
The Member for Bennelong, John Alexander
MP recently visited the hospital. The executive
team took the federal local member on a
tour of major points of interest at the facility
including ASAM, the Gamma Knife, theatre
and imaging facilities.
VASCulAR SuRGERY SERViCES ARE
nOw AVAilAblE AT MuH
Macquarie Vascular Specialists offer a medical
consultation service for assessment and
management of the full-range of vascular
disease, with an emphasis on less-invasive
or “endovascular” treatment modalities such
as percutaneous angioplasty and
endovascular grafting. our specialists include
vascular surgeons Professor Geoffrey White
and Dr Michael Stephen.
For all appointments and related enquiries
please contact them on 9812 3683.
CAnCER CARE CEnTRE
on Friday 18 November 2010 The Honourable
Kristina Keneally, MP, Premier of NSW
officially opened the Macquarie University
Hospital Cancer Care Centre. This centre will
provide cancer patients with a fast, effective
and coordinated service as well as access
to the latest developments in treatment
and research.
our new cancer centre will not only provide
patients with the most advanced medical
oncology diagnostics and treatment, but a
model of managing a patient’s care that is
highly individual and targeted – increasing
the success of oncology interventions.
Patients will also have access to the
country’s leading specialists in the area of
cancer research and treatment.
the honourAble. kristinA keneAlly, mP,
former Premier of nsw, miChAel egAn,
ChAnCellor, mACQuArie university,
robert glynn, Ceo, mACQuArie
university hosPitAl
robert glynn,
Ceo muh,
john AlexAnder
mP, member for
bennelong &
steven sChwArtz,
viCe ChAnCellor,
mACQuArie
university
MACquARiE COSMETiC AnD PlASTiC
SuRGERY ARRiVES AT THE CliniC
The Macquarie Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery
team have recently moved into the third
floor of the Macquaire University Clinic.
Macquarie Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery
(MCPS) has been established as the first and
only private academic centre for Cosmetic
and Plastic Surgery in Australia and represents
a new and exciting model of care based on
leading medical units from around the
world. MCPS is committed to the highest
standards of practice and achieving the best
for their patients by rigorous attention to
detail and continued striving for excellence.
The team’s surgical focus include cosmetic
breast surgery, facial cosmetic surgery, body
contouring surgery and reconstructive
procedures. They also offer a variety of other
treatments including anti-wrinkle injections
and dermal filler injections.
CliniC rooms
27

28
Valuing our
eFFoRTS
Robert Glynn, CeO, MUH
successfully nominated his
colleague, evan Rawstron, COO
for an award acknowledging
his exceptional contribution
in delivering the operational
requirements of this
state-of-the-art facility.
Above (l-r):
miChAel roff,
Chief exeCutive
offiCer,
AustrAliAn
PrivAte hosPitAls
AssoCiAtion,
evAn rAwstron,
Chief oPerAting
offiCer, muh,
robert glynn,
Chief exeCutive
offiCer, muh
Sheer determination and the ability to
manage the delivery of the operational
aspects of the state-of-the-art Macquarie
University Hospital, on time and on budget
has seen Chief operating officer, evan
Rawstron win the inaugural APHA Valuing
Private Hospitals Staff Award for Quality,
excellence and Innovation for an Individual
in a Non-Clinical Role.
The scale of effort involved in getting the
operational aspects of Australia’s first and
only private university hospital up and
running in six months was colossal. Mr
Rawstron oversaw the development of
processes and implementation of all
technology and systems that would enable

the hospital to run day-to-day as well as the
recruitment, induction and training of 450
staff who came from across Australia.
A capacity to identify and utilise the unique
skills of his team, allowed Mr Rawstron to
pool together the collective knowledge to
evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of
other operating methods and develop
leading edge processes.
As a result of Mr Rawstron’s fastidious tracking,
the construction and fit out of this fully digital
hospital was delivered ready for its first
operation on 15 June 2010. The hospital has
set the benchmark for the provision of health
care services in the private hospital sector.
“I would like to congratulate evan,” said
Michael Roff, Chief executive officer, Australian
Private Hospitals Association. “The innovation,
drive and determination to ensure that
Macquarie University Hospital was open for
patients on time and on budget is a credit to
him and this hospital.”
“each year, private hospitals treat more than 3
million Australians and it is the work of staff
such as evan, whose efforts behind the scenes
often goes unnoticed, that allows us to
continue providing quality, personalised
health care to Australians when they need it,”
said Mr Roff.
Mr Rawstron is one of three finalists in this
category that recognises staff who have
excelled in the provision of administrative,
hospitality or maintenance services; all areas
that underpin the care provided to private
hospital patients.
The team from APHA came to the hospital to
present Mr Rawstron with the award. All staff
were invited to celebrate Australian Private
Hospital’s Week at a morning tea hosted by
MUH. The event also provided the executive
of the Hospital with an opportunity to thank
staff for their enormous contribution in the
development and running of this facility.
29

30
heliCoPter lAnding
on CAmPus
HelICoPTeR
TRANSFeRS
Macquarie University Hospital will
consider installing a helipad after a
number of recent emergency helicopter
transfers of patients from emergency
departments of other hospitals.
Hospital CeO Robert Glynn said patients
had recently been transported to the
hospital on three separate occasions due
to life-threatening neurological conditions
requiring urgent surgery.
On the first occasion, on December 17, a
patient was flown in from Wyong Hospital
with the helicopter landing in an adjacent
University carpark, while just last week
one arrived from John Hunter Hospital,
Newcastle, landing in nearby Christie Park.
“The fact that patients are being flown
in to our Hospital because that’s where
they will receive the best treatment,
speaks volumes for the expertise of our
neurosurgeons,” Glynn said. “In all cases
the patients were quickly and efficiently
transferred by emergency ambulance
officers the short distance to the Hospital,
but if patient care will be improved in
any way by us building a helipad, we’ll
definitely consider it.”

IMAGINE
We can operate on a
brain tumour without
a single incision.
Imagine the possibilities
When you are treated at Macquarie University Hospital you can expect everything to be beyond
the ordinary. Astonishing technology at the forefront of medical science – such as Australia’s only
Gamma Knife, enabling brain tumours to be treated without invasive surgery. World class specialists
who work in unique clusters to ensure every part of your treatment is synchronised perfectly.
A digital, paperless, environment that ensures your medical records appear instantly and you
can be treated sooner and more safely. Beautiful and healing surroundings where every modern
comfort is at your fingertips. Welcome to Australia’s most advanced hospital. To find out about our
range of services, and what we can do for you, ask your doctor, or visit www.muh.org.au
3 Technology Place Macquarie University NSW 2109 Australia Phone +61 2 9812 3000
31

32
macquarie university hospital
3 technology place,
macquarie university,
nsW 2109 australia
phone +61 2 9812 3000
Website www.muh.org.au