County theatre has surgery on show

Feb 25 2008 by Audrey Barton, The Journal

PLASTIC surgeons and nurses from around the UK have attended a Northumberland conference to be trained in a new liposuction technique.

This was the first time training in new Body-Jet Liposuction technique has taken place in the UK as around 30 consultant plastic surgeons, trainees and nurses gathered for the study day. The event took place in the theatres at Hexham General, making use of video link facilities.

Neil Mclean, consultant in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Northumbria Healthcare, said: “We’re always looking for new improved techniques and this is a system which makes liposuction possible under local rather than general anaesthetic, which means patients can go home the same day.”

Mr Mclean added: “The facilities at Hexham mean those in the seminar room can watch the operations live and communicate with the surgeons having any of their questions answered.

“The seminar room is also very close to the theatre which means people can come through into theatre to observe more closely if needed.”