NRH and Australia Hold High-Level Meeting to Celebrate Paediatric Surgery Specialist Team from Canberra

The National Referral Hospital (NRH) Management and Australian representatives Paediatric Surgery Specialist Team from Canberra Hospital that visited Solomon Islands, recently held a meeting to mark a significant moment of appreciation for the outstanding work and long-standing partnership between the teams.

For over a decade, the Canberra Paediatric Surgery Specialists have collaborated closely with NRH to address critical paediatric surgical needs including congenital malformations, trauma, and burns.

Across 16 missions, the team has delivered approximately 380 surgeries. Combined with skill transfers, mentoring, and twice-yearly clinical visits, this work has substantially strengthened local surgical capacity and improved outcomes for children across the country.

Speaking on behalf of the visiting team, Dr. Celine Hamid, Senior Surgeon and Team Leader, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warm hospitality and ongoing support from NRH management, clinicians, and the wider Solomon Islands health system.

“This was our 16th mission here, and every time we come, the clinical teams are incredibly supportive, ensuring surgeries are performed safely and with the highest quality of care,” Dr Hamid said.

Dr. Titus Nasi, supervising Medical Superintendent of NRH, conveyed deep appreciation for the visiting specialists’ invaluable contribution. “Having such skilled paediatric surgeons working alongside our local surgeons in-country is truly a blessing. It not only enhances care for our young patients but also saves the nation thousands of dollars that would otherwise be spent on overseas referrals for these critical cases,” he said.

Australian High Commissioner, Mr Jeff Roach, spoke about the value of the long‑standing partnership.

“NRH’s leadership and clinical teams have shown a genuine dedication to working with the Canberra paediatric surgery specialists to give children the best possible care”, High Commissioner Roach said.

“For more than ten years, these relationships, built on trust and shared learning, have helped ensure safer, high‑quality surgery for young patients. This partnership really highlights the strong cooperation between NRH and Australia, and our shared commitment to improve care for children right across Solomon Islands.”

This high-level meeting not only celebrated the remarkable achievements of the Canberra Paediatric Surgery Team but also reaffirmed the commitment of NRH and Australia to continue fostering strong, collaborative partnerships that enhance healthcare access and quality for Solomon Islands children.