Editorial: Medical advances terrific blessing

Modern medicine and modern medical techniques continue to amaze and astound. There have been huge advances in our ability to detect and treat diseases and many, like whooping cough, are now rare in modern countries, while smallpox has been eliminated worldwide.

Alongside those types of advances have been the incredible advances in medical techniques. Procedures that can be done now wouldn't have been dreamed about even decades ago.

Surgeries which once required a patient to be cut open can now be done laparoscopically, surgeries have become more precise and equipment continues to improve and advance.

All of this means better outcomes for patients - shorter recovery times, less invasive procedures, lives saved.

The operation that separated conjoined Rotorua twins Sarah and Abbey Hose in 2004 was a groundbreaking procedure, the first of its type in Australasia.

As we report today, Waikato Hospital has released images of the operation for the first time, with the permission of the twins' Rotorua parents. Through the hospital, they reveal that their now 7-year-old daughters are doing well, attending school and enjoying life.

The lives they now enjoy would not have been possible were it not for medical advances. They and their family and friends have much to be grateful for - not least the fact they had a very dedicated and committed team of health professionals on hand to help give them a bright future.

It's a truly heartwarming story.