VMO surgeon finishes service after 30 years
18 December 2007
Dr Olbourne promised a sceptical Tamworth Hospital administrator in 1976 that he would support and work for a plastic surgery service for a minimum of 10 years if one could be established.
He then went on to fulfil that promise three times over.
Dr Olbourne has been flying to Tamworth from Sydney once a month for almost 32 years to perform surgery, and has recently announced his last inland visit.
Dr Olbourne’s contribution will be formally acknowledged during his final visit to Tamworth Hospital on 19 December.
Typically Dr Olbourne will be too busy for a lengthy farewell; consequently Tamworth/Armidale Hospital General Manager Fergus Fitzsimons will give a short presentation and a gift to Dr Olbourne in the theatres at Tamworth Hospital.
Dr Olbourne said his decision to cease his service to the Tamworth community is a regrettable one, but one his lifestyle demands. He will, however, continue to operate a full service in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery from his Sydney base in Chatswood.
“It is with great pleasure that I have been able to serve the community in Tamworth and surrounding areas for over 30 years, but now I feel I have got to the stage when I should conclude this aspect of my practice in the interests of lifestyle,” Dr Olbourne said.
Tamworth/Armidale Hospitals General Manager Fergus Fitzsimons said the contribution made by Dr Olbourne to the Tamworth community has been exemplary and his experience has been invaluable to the rural Health Service.
“Thirty two years is an outstanding contribution to the Health Service, but it is even more exceptional that he has continued his commitment to this service while living in Sydney, and making the trip every single month,” Mr Fitzsimons said.
“It is difficult to recruit his kind of experience to rural centres like Tamworth. His advice and service will be sorely missed, but the community will go on benefiting from the service he has built and supported for a long time yet.”
Plastic surgery services in Tamworth will continue with no disruptions to services.
Media are welcome to attend the short afternoon tea for Dr Olbourne in the operating theatres at Tamworth Hospital on 19 December from 3pm. Photo opportunities will be available.
Contact: Nick Hansen
Phone: 4921 4918