Saturday, September 11, 2010
 
 Information

Following on from the Plastic, Burns and Maxillo-Facial Services Review (TAS, 2006) the executives from the Region (including Nelson-Marlborough) identified Reconstructive Breast Surgery (RBS) services as the priority for regional service development and improvement.

In 2008, the Service Leadership Group (SLG) completed a range of projects designed to develop understanding of the current situation and to then identify ‘evidenced-based’ key opportunities for improvement. The result of this work was presented in a Discussion Document and examined by key stakeholders at a Regional Workshop held in Palmerston North.
 
Guided by the priorities for improvement identified by key stakeholders the SLG has prepared a business case proposing to undertake two complementary projects:
1.      To provide delayed-RBS services for the ‘backlog’ of women
2.      To develop a sustainable regional RBS service.
 
In addition there are a number of associated projects which when implemented will contribute the development of a sustainable regional RBS service.

  
  

Women identified and confirmed as having breast cancer generally see either a general surgeon who sub-specializes in breast surgery or a specialist breast surgeon.  The surgeon will explain treatment options and support the woman in making an informed choice. Treatment options may include adjunctive treatment (e.g. radiotherapy, chemotherapy) and / or surgery (partial or full mastectomy surgery; immediate or delayed reconstructive breast surgery). While mastectomy may be provided within at the local hospital, reconstructive breast surgery is typically undertaken by plastic surgeons at Hutt Hospital.

  
Completed Projects Minimize
  •  Plastic, Burns and Maxillo-Facial Services Review
  • RBS - Project scope
  • RBS - Project conclusion reports:
    • Service Profile
    • Patient Experience Survey
    • Workforce Survey
    • Patient Process Mapping
    • Key performance indicators
  • RBS - Discussion Document (including results of the Regional Workshop)
  • D-RBS Business Case

Proposed Projects Minimize
  • RBS – Implementation Plan
  • Project plan for D-RBS
  • Project plan for regional RBS service Services (outreach, local)
    • Clinicians (Surgeons, CNS)
    • Consumer representation
    • Clinician education
    • Service evaluation
    • Information for patients
    • Service guidelines for clinicians
    • Efficient processes

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