New surgeon for Armidale Hospital

Services to Armidale and surrounding hospitals have been boosted by the recent appointment of new Senior Staff Surgeon Dr Sanjaya Karunartne.

General Manager of Tamworth/Armidale Hospitals Fergus Fitzsimons said Dr Karunaratne’s recruitment was not only a lift for local services in Armidale but the entire region, as his skills will be used in a number of areas.

“Securing the services of Dr Karunaratne is a huge step forward for services in this region as it is so hard to secure skills like his in rural areas,” Mr Fitzsimons said.

“Dr Karunaratne will not only work in Armidale Hospital, he will support other health services in the Northern Area of the Hunter New England Area Health Service, starting with regular clinics and surgery at Inverell Hospital.”

Dr Karunaratne comes to Armidale with a wealth of experience in general surgical procedures, gained from his diverse surgical history in Sri Lanka’s conflict zones and in Perth’s St Charles Gardner Hospital.

Dr Karunaratne is optimistic about his family’s new life in their new rural setting and is looking forward to the variety of work in the bush.

“I have come to Armidale with my wife and eight-year old daughter, who are looking forward to starting up new friendships in the Armidale community,” Dr Karunaratne said.

“I chose Armidale because of its rural setting, which I like and this will allow me to undertake a variety of surgical procedures like gastroenterology, urology and endocrinology.”

Mr Fitzsimons recognised the collaborative effort that went into the recruitment of Dr Karunaratne and said it was another example of how Hunter New England Health is working to improve the standard of service.

“Acquiring his services demanded team work between Hunter New England Area Medical recruitment team, Armidale Health Service, Armidale Medical Staff Council, New England Division of GPs, Armidale Dumaresq Council and Independent Member for Northern Tablelands, Richard Torbay,” Mr Fitzsimons said.

Mr Torbay said he welcomed the news of Dr Karunaratne’s appointment while recruitment continued for an Inverell-based surgeon.

Media Inquiries: Nick Hansen, 4985 5522 (HNE-1115)

Contact: Nick Hansen

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