From Right to Left: A/Prof. Arish Naresh (Clinical Governance Advisor), Dr. George Malefoasi (NRH CEO), Ms. Beverley Sutton (CEO of Australia Institute of Clinical Governance), Dr. Narko Tutuo (Anaesthetist and Neurosurgical team Leader), Ms. Pauline MacNeil (MHMS Permanent Secretary), Dr. Tristan Armstrong (Human development Counsellor, AHC), Prof. Grant Phelps, Gastroenterologist and Acute Physician, of Australia Institute of Clinical Governance ) and Dr. Titus Nasi (NRH Medical Superintendent)
Nepean Blue Mountains and Macquarie University Hospital’s Neurosurgical Team currently in Country to perform specialized surgeries and provide hands-on training
The National Referral Hospital (NRH) proudly welcomes Dr. Narko Tutuo, an anaesthetist and co-leader of the visiting neurosurgical team from Nepean Blue Mountains Hospital in Sydney. Dr. Tutuo, originally from Western Province and now based in Sydney, is heading a team of more than 20 volunteer neurosurgical specialists during their week-long mission starting 16 November.
This dedicated team will perform specialised surgeries for nine patients with complex brain and spinal conditions, while also delivering hands-on training and education to NRH’s surgical staff—an essential step in strengthening the hospital’s general surgery department. This marks the team’s third visit in three years, underscoring the strong and enduring partnership between Australia and the Solomon Islands to improve access to life-saving neurosurgical care for Solomon Islanders.
Much of the credit for this partnership goes to the professional relationship between Dr. Narko Tutuo (formerly worked at the National Referral Hospital, Kiluufi and Atoifi Hospitals and now a Consultant Anaesthesiologist for Nepean Hospital in Sydney, Australia) and Dr Rooney Jagilly, Head of General Surgery Department at NRH. Their shared commitment has enabled consistent missions that combine surgical care, skills exchange, and continuity of follow-up.
Dr. Narko, emphasized his motivation to return to the Solomon Islands as a way of “giving back,” highlighting the strong collaborative relationship with Dr. Rooney that makes these missions successful. Together, they aim to address urgent surgical needs while empowering local healthcare professionals.
Furthermore, Dr. Narko shares a story of hope for Solomon Islanders that the Neurosurgical Visiting team did in their previous visit to Solomon Islands and there was a patient, a young boy diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma. Through teamwork with the local team and blood donations from the community and two of the visiting team members, the young boy underwent life-saving surgery and managed to have a chance to have life today, this symbolizing hope and resilience. “These moments remind us why we do this work,” said Dr. Narko.
Looking ahead for this new coming week, Dr. Rooney Jagilly outlined tentative plans to operate on nine patients and the Neurosurgical team to see 30 patients in outpatient for consultations including patients treated during previous visits to ensure continuity of care and long-term outcomes. The Neuro team to train our local staff in advanced techniques and equipment, such as cell saver technology that they are bringing in for use at NRH, ensuring long-term sustainability. “Our goal is not just for them to perform surgeries but to leave behind knowledge and tools that strengthen local capacity,” he said.
Planning for this visit has been underway for the past four months from both the Neurosurgical team leader and local planning team. A clinical governance, quality, and safety planning session was held this week to review the planned cases, confirm safety protocols, and finalise risk mitigation measures. This includes careful case selection, perioperative planning, anaesthesia and critical care pathways, infection prevention, and coordinated post-operative follow-up.
The leader of the visiting neurosurgical team, Dr. Narko, expressed his gratitude to the Government of Australia, through the Solomon Islands Australia Health Partnership for funding the mission. This support covered all logistics and made the visit possible, in close partnership with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS).
On behalf of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the Permanent Secretary, Ms Pauline McNeil commended Dr Narko for his leadership and is incredibly grateful for the invaluable support that would be provided by the visiting neurosurgical team. Health Secretary highlighted that “the team’s work over the next few days will be instrumental in addressing our gaps and enhance local capacity and most importantly will bring new hope to the 30 patients who might otherwise not have had access to specialized healthcare”. In further conveying the Ministry’s appreciation for the entire mission, the Health Secretary acknowledged her Co-Chair of the Partnership Implementation Committee, Dr Tristan Armstrong for jointly agreeing on the arrangement to enable the mission is supported through the bilateral Solomon Islands Australia Health Partnership programme (SIAHP).
The Solomon Islands Australia Health Partnership team continue to work closely with the visiting specialists, with strong support from the NRH leadership and management team.
We look forward to a safe, productive visit that strengthens local capacity and delivers high-quality care to our community, thanks to the generosity of the visiting volunteers and the dedication of our local teams and partners.
Right to Left: A/Prof. Arish Naresh (Clinical Governance Advisor), Dr. Narko Tutuo (Anaesthetist and Neurosurgical team Leader) and Dr. Rooney Jagilly (Head of NRH General Surgery Department) doing a clinical governance, quality, and safety planning session.