Released 19/03/2023
A new sub-specialist gynaecology oncology surgeon has started delivering regular clinics at Canberra Hospital as part of a new agreement between Canberra Health Services and the Royal Hospital for Women in Sydney.
Associate Professor Ramanand Athavale, Clinical Director of the Gynaecological Oncology service at the Royal Hospital for Women, held his first outpatient clinic at Canberra Hospital this week.
Associate Professor Athavale will visit Canberra Hospital monthly for an all-day operating list, followed by a multidisciplinary team meeting, ward rounds and an outpatient clinic the following day. Between visits, Associate Professor Athavale will also conduct follow‑up telehealth clinics for women referred to the Gynaecology Oncology service in the ACT.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith welcomed Associate Professor Athavale to Canberra Health Services and said he would make a great contribution while a national recruitment process was underway to employ a permanent Canberra based sub-specialist within Canberra Health Services.
“The ACT Government is committed to operating a permanent and sustainable gynaecology oncology service in the ACT. This includes expanding our specialist nursing workforce for cancer care with two new full-time positions in the Cancer Supportive Care Team.
“The dedicated colorectal and gynaecological cancer specialist nurses will provide direct patient care, care coordination and navigation, support and education to patients undergoing surgery and cancer treatment,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
The ACT Government committed $1.33 million over four years through the 2022-23 mid-year Budget Review for the two new positions.
“It’s important to have dedicated nurses as part of the team to specifically manage colorectal and gynaecological cancers. They will be joining a larger team of Cancer Support Nurses who are delivering essential wrap around care to those needing cancer treatment in the ACT.”
Recruitment processes are currently underway to employ the two full time dedicated specialist nurses, with staff anticipated to start by May 2023.
Quotes attributable to Associate Professor Ramanand Athavale:
“I’m pleased to be partnering with Canberra Health Services on behalf of the Royal Hospital for Women, to continue delivering this important service locally to the people of the ACT and surrounding region.
“I look forward to working with this great team of professionals and supporting the quality treatment and care they are already providing to the community.”
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases