Visiting surgeon brings top skills to team

EXPERTS: Wairarapa DHB orthopaedic surgeon Ian Denholm and North Shore surgeon Tim Astley trade surgery stories ahead of the two procedures this week.

Leading orthopaedic surgeon Tim Astley joined the Wairarapa DHB theatre team last week to undertake two particularly challenging shoulder replacement procedures.

Based at North Shore Hospital, Mr Astley was part of the team that did the first shoulder joint replacement at Auckland Hospital in 1978, and he trains surgeons in both New Zealand and Australia.

"We approached Mr Astley to lead the surgery as he is an internationally recognised specialist in complex shoulder procedures," Wairarapa Hospital orthopaedic surgeon Ian Denholm said.

Mr Astley travels to surgeries throughout the country.

He says he enjoys the opportunity to work with local surgeons. "There's always the chance to learn something when watching other surgeons at work. It's also best to operate in the place that will get the best outcome; often that means patients not travelling around to other centres for surgery."

This is the first time Mr Astley has operated at Wairarapa Hospital. He was very complimentary about the theatre team and working environment here.

"The team here are very good and it is a beautiful hospital to work in," he says.

Mr Denholm says it was fantastic for the team to work with a surgeon of Mr Astley's calibre.

"It's hugely beneficial for us, and future patients, to work with someone with Tim's skills and experience.

"We've been able to pick up lots of tips and tricks for how to do things that we wouldn't otherwise know about."