The Queensland Children’s Hospital team and NRH local surgical team when performing a surgery.
From 13 to 16 July 2025, a team of four medical professionals—including two Paediatric Surgeons, Paediatric Burns Nurse Practitioner and Paediatric Occupational Therapist from the Queensland Children’s Hospital in Australia visited the National Referral Hospital (NRH) to provide essential technical support to the General Surgical Department.
The Queensland Children’s Hospital visiting medical professionals was funded through Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC) to provide paediatric surgical support to the pacific neighbouring countries including the Solomon Islands. The team came under the umbrella of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons (RACS). RACS is the organisation in charge of training surgeons and maintaining surgical standards in Australia and New Zealand. It supports the ongoing development, maintenance of expertise and lifelong learning that accompanies the surgical practice of more than 7,000 surgeons and 1,300 surgical trainees and International Medical Graduates.
Traditionally, all the patients’ that needed surgeries were referred to the Queensland Children’s Hospital to be treated and cared for by the Medical Professionals there. However, that has changed this year for Solomon Islands. This will be the first in the Pacific for paediatric surgeons of Queensland Children’s Hospital to treat the patient in country. This has provided an opportunity for the local doctors to work alongside these specialist surgeons.
The visit was on a voluntary basis and does not incur any additional budget from the government. This was done in the spirit of pacific culture where love and support are demonstrated through action.
Activities Undertaken During the Visit
In the three days at the National Referral Hospital, the team worked closely with NRH’s General Surgical staff, delivering hands-on clinical training aimed at enhancing the skills of local doctors and nurses. In addition to capacity building, the team performed two complex surgical procedures in collaboration with NRH clinicians, incorporating education around pre and post operative care and developing local surgical skills.
The two complex surgical procedures included a four-year-old child suffering from severe burns to her right hand, and a 32-year-old who has been bedridden for the past nine months due to extensive burn injuries, for whom they performed reconstructive surgery.
The surgery was conducted in the NRH Operating Theatre in a collaborative manner led by Prof. Roy Kimble – Paediatric Surgeon and, despite limited resources, both cases were completed successfully demonstrating the hospital’s ability to deliver high-quality medical care under challenging conditions.
A comprehensive follow-up plan was developed by the attending team to ensure continued recovery for both patients, with further treatment to be determined based on ongoing specialist assessments.
They also provided essential surgical instruments and consumables, particularly burn dressing materials to the hospital.
Beyond surgical support, the Queensland Children’s Hospital visiting team also facilitated structured teaching and training sessions for our local medical staff, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to clinical governance and continuous professional development.
The team also met with the Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Geroge Malefoasi to make sure the visit aligns with the needs of the people of the Solomon Islands.
Significance of the Visit
The visit brought significant relief to the two patients and local healthcare providers. They help to safe the government spending huge amount of money for referring the patients to Queensland Children’s Hospital which was the case previous, and with the new partnership for them to come to NRH is a cost cutting measure.
Patients and their families expressed deep appreciation for the support provided by the Queensland Children’s Hospital and voiced strong hopes for future visits. Such partnerships are seen as vital to improving healthcare outcomes and saving lives in the Solomon Islands.
Meanwhile, speaking at the end of the presentation and training Session, Dr. Rooney Jagilly the head of department – General Surgery on behalf of the Hospital Management and the patients treated expressed his appreciation for the well-done work done by the team. He said, it such a blessing to have you here despite you have many other commitments to attend to, yet you respond positively to our invitation.
On behalf of the Queensland Team, Prof. Roy Kimble – Paediatric Surgeon (Team Leader) acknowledged the Hospital Management and staff for welcoming them and provided them the support needed to ensure the work they are doing is successfully done. He emphasised the continuous partnership, they are happy to support. He said, freely shared with them any cases that needs their attention and support, they are also happy to do testing for the specimens for the National Referral Hospital from Queensland Children’s Hospital.
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