Urological Specialists

A patient from Vanuatu recently underwent treatment for complex kidney stones at St John of God Hospital, Geelong. On a recent surgical aid trip to Vila Central Hospital in Vanuatu, Mr. Grills identified a patient that was unable to have surgery on his kidney stones performed locally as no equipment was available. 

Since 2008, under the auspices of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons’ Pacific Island Program Mr. Grills has been leading an annual surgical aid trip to Vanuatu. In that time he has performed over 200 surgical procedures and assisted the local hospital in establishing a basic but self-sufficient urology service.

There were many challenges faced in bringing a patient from Vanuatu to Geelong, fortunately there were many people willing to help overcome these. A number of local organisations and individuals contributed significantly  - Annum Cara House, St John of God Hospital Geelong, Lake Imaging, SJOG Pathology, Geelong Rotary, and medical practitioners Dr. Bernie Creati (Anaesthetist) and Dr. Stephan Foy (Cardiology), Dr. Kathryn McLeod and West Coast Urology Nurses Rhonnie and Teresa.   Mr. Tavoa underwent kidney stone surgery here in Geelong during September 2016 with a very successful outcome achieved. Having been in constant pain and with worsening kidney function for several years Mr. Tavoa is now home in Vanuatu, is pain free and is back at work. 

Click here to read the news article from The Geelong Advertiser (29/9/16)

 

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