Sri Lanka

A hand surgery training program was delivered in Sri Lanka in October 2008 by Plastic Surgeon Mr Randall Sach and Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Greg Hoy, both members of the Australian Hand Surgery Society. In collaboration with the staff at the Plastic Surgery Unit of the Colombo National Hospital, 31 patients were treated including a number of acute hand trauma cases. The team was also accompanied by hand therapist Mrs Kathy Minchin who worked with the Units occupational therapist to provide specialist training.

The Interplast team also delivered a two day hand trauma training workshop attended by approximately 100 delegates including 30 occupational therapists, and a large number of surgical trainees from all disciplines. While in Sri Lanka, production also began on a hand trauma training resource. DVDs are being developed as an educational resource for surgeons in the countries where Interplast works.

With sustained funding support from the Colonial Foundation over the past 8 years, a significant contribution to local sustainability in Sri Lanka is being realised.

Interplast Australia & New Zealand had a team of 6 medical volunteers visit Sri Lanka in July 2010 for a specialized craniofacial surgery program involving the provision of free surgery and training to local surgeons. During their time spent at the Colombo National Hospital the team consulted 45 patients and performed 17 operations. A full day of craniofacial surgery lectures were presented to local surgeons as well as practical training being provided to local registrars who assisted in all operations. The program was a great success thanks to the collaboration between the dedicated staff at the Colombo National Hospital and our Interplast volunteers.