A visiting gynaecologist from Brisbane shared his expertise at Royston Hospital on Friday, drawing specialists from all over the country.
Michael Wynn-Williams flew to New Zealand especially for the practical tutorial, introducing the latest surgical techniques, instruments and offering pearls of wisdom to other gynaecologists.
He performed two complex keyhole surgeries atthe hospital and images from the laparoscope were projected to the television in the hospital's conference room, where 15 specialists watched and listened to his commentary.
Dr Wynn-Williams, originally from Christchurch, regularly performs complex surgeries at his private practice in Brisbane. He receives referrals from throughout Queensland and the sheer number of surgeries has allowed him to develop specialist skills and become a leading expert in his field.
By comparison, a smaller population in New Zealand, and especially Hawke's Bay, meant local gynaecologists infrequently saw such cases or had the chance to develop skills.
Royston obstetrician and gynaecologist Jeremy Meates said staff were excited to have Dr Wynn-Williams visit.
"It's always fantastic to have someone like Michael, with so much experience, to show us how to do things," he said.
"It's hugely beneficial on just so many levels in terms of what we get from an educational point of view. There's so many little things that we learn. He's constantly talking and trainees, nurses and anaesthetists get to see the surgery and get more confident in what can be done."
Dr Wynn-Williams said sharing his techniques with local gynaecologists may enable more patients to receive surgery in the Bay, instead of travelling to Wellington or Auckland.
Two locals on the public waiting list benefited from his visit. They were given free surgery at the private hospital as part of the educational visit. The surgical team donated their time and Royston Hospital Trust covered the cost.
Hawke's Bay was not unfamiliar territory for the Otago University-trained doctor, who spent his intern years at Napier Hospital in the mid-1990s.
It was under Peter Jennings' tutelage there that he decided to specialise in gynaecology, which has taken him to Glasgow, Cambridge, Sydney and Brisbane.
